Opening Ceremony of 2026 "Hello Shenyang" Chinese and American Youth Exchange Summer School Held Successfully-Activities- 沈阳市人民政府外事办公室

Opening Ceremony of 2026 "Hello Shenyang" Chinese and American Youth Exchange Summer School Held Successfully

时间：2026-07-10 撰稿人：供稿部门：Shenyang Foreign Affairs Office

The opening ceremony of the 2026 "Hello Shenyang" Chinese and American Youth Exchange Summer School, co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of Shenyang Municipal People’s Government and Shenyang Normal University, took place at Shenyang Normal University on June 25. Sun Ye, Director of the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, Zhao Liqiang, Vice President of Shenyang Normal University, together with 17 American teachers and student representatives, attended the event.

Director Sun Ye noted that young people represent the future of nations and the promise of friendship. The summer camp is the implementation of President Xi Jinping’s initiative to invite 50,000 American young people to China for exchanges over five years, serving as a vivid testament to the enduring friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. She encouraged young American participants to explore Shenyang’s campuses, scenic spots, enterprises and streets, appreciate its cultural landmarks, wander through its natural landscapes, experience cutting-edge technologies and immerse themselves in classical Chinese culture. She hoped they would witness the city’s profound ancient heritage and vibrant modern vitality, and gain a well-rounded, authentic understanding of China. Director Sun also called on Chinese and American youth to engage in frequent exchanges, forge lasting friendships, become fellow travelers for mutual learning and appreciation, and act as envoys of friendship with genuine mutual understanding.

Vice President Zhao Liqiang introduced Shenyang Normal University’s long-standing educational legacy and fruitful achievements in international education. He urged all campers to embrace an open and inclusive mindset, delve into Chinese language learning, and immerse themselves in outstanding traditional Chinese culture. Through cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning, he hoped they would gain knowledge, friendship and personal growth, and contribute to deepening educational ties between China and the United States and fostering people-to-people bonds.

The ceremony featured splendid Peking Opera and traditional Chinese folk music performances by students from the university’s Institute of Dramatic Arts, winning warm applause from the audience. Skylar Zane Harts, a camper from Chicago, Shenyang’s international sister city, delivered a heartfelt Chinese song I Love You, China, earning warm applause. John Andrews, a student representative, shared his excitement about joining the summer camp. He remarked that Shenyang perfectly blends profound historical heritage with dynamic urban energy, and he looked forward to learning Chinese in depth, exploring Chinese history and traditional culture, making friends from both countries, and experiencing authentic everyday Chinese life in the days ahead.

Building on the success of the previous two sessions, this year’s summer camp has been upgraded with richer, more diverse programming rooted in Shenyang’s unique local characteristics. The multi-dimensional curriculum includes Chinese language courses, special lectures, intangible cultural heritage workshops, cultural study tours and interactive exchange activities. Campers will get hands-on experience of paper-cutting, calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting and traditional Chinese medicine to appreciate the unique charm of China’s intangible cultural heritage. They will also have field visits to the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Liaoning Provincial Museum and BMW Brilliance Tiexi Plant, gaining a comprehensive insight into Shenyang’s profound heritage and distinctive charm from the perspectives of historical lineage, industrial development and urban landscape.