Late on December 31, 2024, as the New Year's bells were about to ring, a 27-member U.S. youth student delegation from Iowa, upon the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and organized by the U.S.-China Green Institute (USCGI), arrived in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeastern China, to begin an 11-day visit. The delegation consisted of students and faculty members from diverse disciplines, including political science, nursing, and biology, representing five institutions such as Iowa State University and Coe College. This marked their first visit to China and their first time celebrating the New Year in the country.

(Delegation arrives at Changchun Longjia International Airport late at night)

On the morning of January 1, 2025, as the sun rose, the delegation visited the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the city's socio-economic development. They explored the profound cultural heritage of Changchun at the Changchun Film Studio Museum, known as the "cradle of the People's Republic of China's film industry". They enjoyed dumplings, a traditional Chinese dinner symbolizing family reunion, and toured the exquisite Zigong Ice Lantern Exhibition at the Changchun World Sculpture Park. These activities allowed the delegation to fully experience the history, culture, and landscapes of Northeast China. Zheng Gang, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Jilin Province, and Gao Shan, full-time Vice President of the Jilin Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, hosted a special welcome dinner for the delegation.

(Delegation visits the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall)

(Delegation visits the Changchun Film Studio Museum)

(Delegation enjoys dumplings)

The delegation members could not hide their excitement, expressing their delight in visiting China on New Year's Day in response to President Xi Jinping's initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. Celebrating New Year's Eve with the Chinese people was described as a particularly special and cherished experience. They looked forward to deepening their understanding of different regions in China during the visit and interacting with Chinese youth to forge lasting partnerships and friendships.

In the next three days, the delegation will engage in professional exchanges with Jilin University, Jilin Agricultural University, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, and other organizations in the region. They will also attend the opening ceremony of the Vasaloppet China and learn about the development of winter sports in China. Following their visit to Jilin, the delegation will travel to Hebei, Beijing, Guangdong, and other regions to explore opportunities for exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in various fields, including education, agriculture, sister cities, and healthcare.