On June 24, the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival" was held in Fuzhou, Fujian province, east China. In the afternoon, guests from both China and abroad gathered at Kuliang Scenic Area in Fuzhou to take part in a "treasure hunt check-in" activity. 

American youth and their Chinese counterparts take a group photo at Fuzhou Cedar King Park. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

The activity aims to create opportunities for participants to experience the century-old history of Sino-foreign integration in Kuliang, learn about China-US interactions, and continue fostering friendly exchanges between the people of China and the United States.

The guests included representatives from friendly states and cities in the United States, representatives from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Youth Federation, and leaders from Fuzhou city and Fujian province.

The organizers prepared a treasure hunt guide map and a "stamp notebook" for each guest, featuring 22 check-in points for the activity. These points included: Kuliang Historical Architecture Exhibition Hall, the Millennium Cryptomeria King at Fuzhou Cedar King Park, Kuliang Club, Kuliang Post Office, and Gardner Exhibition Hall, among others. At each check-in point, guests could receive a stamp on the corresponding page of their notebook.

Three young guests check in at Fuzhou Cedar King Park. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

After checking in and stamping at the inn and bookstore, guests viewed a photography exhibition hosted by Fuzhou Daily. The exhibition is divided into four sections to comprehensively showcase the natural ecological beauty, historical and cultural beauty, Sino-foreign friendship, and civilized development of Kuliang.

Guests also visited Hydrangea valley, the Western-style villa of Arthur William Billing, and Kuliang Post Office. They sent stamped postcards to their friends and families in the US, sharing with them the experiences from the activity.

American youth and their Chinese counterparts select and purchase Kuliang cultural products. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

Anna, a young guest from Iowa City, told reporters that this was her first visit to China. She arrived in Fuzhou the day before and was delighted by the tree-lined streets, saying, "I love nature, and Fuzhou has a lot of trees, which I like very much."

The young American representatives expressed that the wonderful memories and spiritual heritage left by their predecessors inspire subsequent generations to return to China, continuing the legacy of friendly exchanges between the people of China and the United States.