WASHINGTON, DC – On December 17, 2025, students from Centennial High School’s Chinese language program participated in an immersive cultural experience at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center. The event, titled “The Touch of China in Chinatown,” represents the third consecutive year of this innovative cultural initiative designed to bridge cultural understanding between American youth and traditional Chinese heritage.
The program provides hands-on exposure to various aspects of Chinese culture through interactive workshops, traditional art demonstrations, and cultural performances. Unlike conventional classroom learning, this experiential approach allows students to engage directly with cultural practices that have been preserved and celebrated within the DC Chinatown community for generations.
Educators and community organizers collaborated to create an environment where American teenagers could not only observe but actively participate in cultural activities. The program’s structure emphasizes cultural exchange rather than passive observation, encouraging students to ask questions and participate in traditional practices under the guidance of cultural experts and community elders.
The Chinatown Community Cultural Center has developed this program as part of its ongoing mission to promote cross-cultural understanding and preserve Chinese cultural traditions within an urban American context. The continued success and expansion of this initiative over three consecutive years demonstrates both the community’s commitment to cultural education and the growing interest among American youth in understanding global cultures.
Participants reported increased appreciation for cultural diversity and expressed interest in further exploring Chinese language studies following their immersive experience. The program serves as a model for how urban cultural centers can facilitate meaningful cross-cultural exchanges that benefit both the local community and broader educational institutions.