At the invitation of Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, more than 100 US teachers and students from Iowa, the United States, embarked on a cultural journey in China from Dec 27 to Jan 6.
Their trip reached a festive highlight on New Year's Eve when they joined local students at the school for a celebration.
A US student displays her paper-cutting artwork during a cultural class at Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School on Dec 31, 2025. [Photo by Liu Zunshuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]
During the lively gathering, students from both countries exchanged New Year greetings, shared wishes on handwritten cards, and participated in cultural classes featuring calligraphy, traditional painting, paper-cutting, and weaving.
Earlier in their itinerary, the delegation explored Beijing's historical and modern landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Bird's Nest stadium.
American students hold up their completed calligraphy works at a Chinese calligraphy class in Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School on Dec 31, 2025. [Photo by Liu Zunshuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]
US teachers and students learn to make Chinese dumplings during a cultural experience at Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School on Dec 31, 2025. [Photo by Liu Zunshuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]
US students try traditional Chinese painting at Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School on Dec 31, 2025. [Photo by Liu Zunshuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Students from China and the US hang New Year wish cards on a ginkgo tree to symbolize friendship at Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School on Dec 31, 2025. [Photo by Liu Zunshuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]