US students begin cultural exchange visit in Shanxi province

That evening, the group walked the Datong ancient city wall, taking in the city's night skyline.

The visit is part of an initiative to bring 100,000 young Americans to China for exchanges and study over the coming five years. Over the remaining days, the group will visit the Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao Ancient City, and Jinci Temple, and take part in a joint session with local university students exploring Chinese folk music and Western music.

The event was co-hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Shanxi Province and China Daily Youth Channel, and co-organized by the Shanxi Provincial Education Department and the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League of China.

Li Jialu contributed to this story.