[Video provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
At the invitation of Jiangnan University in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, a student delegation from the University of California, Davis, the United States, arrived in China on June 20 for a month-long cultural exchange journey in Guling.
Students write postcards at the Guling Post Office. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
JU has maintained friendly relations with UC Davis for nearly four decades. The origin of this event can be traced back to Milton Gardner (1901-86), an American professor of physics at UC Davis. Gardner spent his childhood in Guling, previously known as Kuliang in the West, a historic summer resort in Fuzhou, Fujian province.
Students take a group photo at the Cedar King Park. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
His affection for Guling persisted throughout his life, and he was still reminiscing about the resort shortly before his passing. JU specially organized this activity in order to carry on this deep friendship spanning over a century and foster deeper understanding and friendship between Chinese and American students.
On June 25, teachers and students from China and US visited historical locations such as the century-old Guling Post Office, the International Public Welfare Society, and the Cedar King Park. American and Chinese youth jointly read the bilingual picture book Eleven Stamps together, rekindling Gardner's timeless attachment to Guling.
Students take a group photo while exploring the Flying Tigers-themed photo exhibition. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
During their stay, the guests also explored a Flying Tigers photo exhibition, where they learned about the heroic deeds of the Chinese and Americans fighting shoulder to shoulder in the World Anti-Fascist War.
Additionally, the delegation went to Minjiang University to participate in an experiential activity on the traditional craft of lacquer fan making. Through hands-on practice, they appreciated the unique charm of Chinese culture, further bridging the gap between Chinese and American youth.
