The second session of Quzhou College's US Youth Exchange Program, combined with the "Hello, Quzhou Ancient City" cultural exchange activity, brought over 10 young participants from the United States to Kecheng district in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

This immersive experience from Dec 17 to 20 allowed them to explore the region's rich historical and cultural charms and dynamic modern development.

In Miaoyuan village, Jiuhua township, the participants visited the Wutong Ancestral Temple, learning about the "Jiuhua's Start of Spring Ceremony" — an annual folk activity to welcome the Start of Spring, or li chun, the first solar term of China's "24 solar terms". They participated in local customs like whipping the ox, making glutinous rice cakes, and crafting lanterns.

Anthony Cerulli expressed his admiration for the village's deep cultural roots and vibrant rural life, calling this experience unforgettable.

Visitors take part in the traditional ritual in the Family Temple of Confucius in Quzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

At the Jiyao Tongxing's production base, these visitors explored Quzhou's advancements in the renewable energy sector. They then visited the Quzhou City Exhibition Hall to trace the city's millennia-long history.

The participants also explored the Quzhou Ancient City Cultural Tourism Zone, which offered them a glimpse into the city’s unique cultural charm. Felix Crowder was particularly impressed by the Family Temple of Confucius in Quzhou, noting its distinctive architecture and the stories of Confucius and his descendants.

At the Xi'an Gaoqiang Opera Training Institute, Iris Aranda donned traditional opera attire and learned movements of the national intangible cultural heritage Xi'an Gaoqiang, a traditional form of opera in Quzhou.