US students gain firsthand insights into China at summer camp

The 2026 Discover China summer camp for students from the United States recently concluded at Beijing Foreign Studies University, giving 15 teachers and students from US universities an immersive introduction to China's cultural heritage and technological innovation.

The two-week program, held from June 28 to July 10, focused on the integration of traditional culture and frontier innovation through lectures, field research and visits to enterprises.

Participants explored iconic historical sites including Beijing's Central Axis, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, gaining deeper insights into China's millennia-old civilization. They also visited leading technology institutions, including the China Science and Technology Museum, Ant Group and OurPalm, to learn about China's latest scientific and technological achievements.

Beyond sightseeing, the program featured hands-on cultural activities including traditional Chinese medicine workshops, traditional folk music performances and a China-US friendly basketball match. Participants also traveled to Shanghai and Yiwu, Zhejiang province, where they visited Fudan University, the Shanghai Financial Center and Yiwu International Trade City to gain a better understanding of China's business and trade development.

For Alyssa McDonald, a 20-year-old student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the trip was a dream come true.

"I've wanted to come to China since I was 12 years old. When I found out I got this opportunity, I actually cried — I was so excited," she said. "It still feels unbelievable that my childhood dream has finally become reality."

What impressed McDonald most was China's digital payment ecosystem.

"Just scanning a code to pay for everything — the convenience is mind-blowing," she said.

Coming from a farming family, McDonald was also particularly impressed by China's use of the latest technology in agriculture.

Aaron Watson, a 23-year-old student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, found it difficult to single out just one memorable experience from the two-week journey.

If forced to choose, Watson said he would pick the Great Wall as his favorite destination.

"It's truly a wonder of the world," he said.

The Bund in Shanghai also left a deep impression on him.

Chinese cuisine was another revelation.

"At first, I wasn't sure about some of the flavors, but I kept trying everything. By the second week, I knew exactly what I liked and could pick out my favorite dishes. Everything is so delicious," Watson said.

Before coming to China, Watson said he did not hold any particularly negative views, but his understanding of the country was limited to what he had learned in school.

"Being here and experiencing it firsthand has completely exceeded my expectations."

Shuyu Tang, a 20-year-old student at Penn State University, said the most meaningful part of the trip was the personal connections forged with fellow participants.

The experience also challenged Tang's previous assumptions.

"I used to have this stereotype that Chinese people are all very serious and hardworking, with no time for leisure or fun," Tang said. "But being here, they actually have a lot of fun."