"I never would have thought I would go to China. And if I can come back, of course I will."

These words capture the sentiments of participants at the "Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival", where newfound connections and a sense of wonder filled the air.

During this vibrant gathering, young representatives from China and the United States came together to plant trees, play sports and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of China's intangible cultural heritage. The U.S. participants were captivated by the fusion of age-old practices and contemporary dynamism that defines urban China.

A century ago, in Kuliang, a picturesque suburb of Fuzhou in Fujian province, Americans left their mark by conducting business, establishing hospitals and founding schools, creating a legacy of goodwill that endures to this day. Today, the whispers of the past mingle with the hopes of the future as the gentle breeze of Kuliang invites the youth of both nations to forge new connections.

Watch the video to see how the stories of Kuliang's past are being reimagined and revitalized by the hands of today's youth.