SAN FRANCISCO—An extraordinary collection of artistic works created by American high school students during their cultural immersion trips to China is now captivating audiences at the Cupertino City Library. The exhibition, titled “China in the Eyes of Americans,” showcases photography, sketches, and personal narratives from 21 students who explored China’s Hubei province during the summers of 2024 and 2025.
Organized by the US-China Culture and Communication Association in collaboration with the Youth Horizon Culture Connection Association, the exhibition represents a unique cross-cultural initiative. The participating students, primarily from California with additional representation from Florida and Tennessee, documented their journeys through Wuhan, Enshi, Xiaogan, and surrounding regions, capturing both iconic landscapes and everyday moments of Chinese life.
Chloe Xiao, a California high school sophomore and founder of the Youth Horizon association, emphasized the transformative nature of the experience. “In Enshi, we wore traditional Tujia attire, gaining firsthand appreciation for the elegance and rich heritage of Tujia culture,” she recalled, describing the silver hair ornaments and complete costumes as “gorgeous.”
The exhibition reveals diverse perspectives through different artistic mediums. Jasmine White, a senior from Carlmont High School, focused her photographic work on Hubei’s bridges, particularly the Yingwuzhou Yangtze River Bridge. “This trip taught me the significance of bridges in China—they represent connection: linking people, communities, and cultures across generations,” White explained.
For many participants, the human connections formed during their travels proved most meaningful. Benjamin Li, a sophomore from Florida, described bonding with Chinese university students from ethnic minority backgrounds in Enshi. “We laughed, played games, and had fun together,” he shared. “It made my summer unforgettable.”
Aiden Wei Tanner from San Jose contrasted his China experience with previous European travels, noting, “Those cities in Europe feel distinctly foreign. China is different—I felt part of the culture rather than an outsider.” This sense of belonging influenced how he photographed everyday life in Hubei, capturing images of store owners, students, and strangers alike.
Beyond cultural immersion, students also gained practical benefits. Iris Zhu, a California freshman, reported significant improvement in her Chinese language skills, while all participants gained insights rarely accessible to most foreigners.
Song Min, president of UCCA, initiated the program six years ago to foster connections between American and Chinese youth. “When young people start to listen to their peers and learn from each other, great things will happen,” Song stated, emphasizing that these American students serve as “practitioners of cross-cultural communication” rather than mere observers.
The exhibition continues through January at the Cupertino library, offering Bay Area residents a rare glimpse of China through the authentic perspectives of American youth.