From May 12 to 24, 2026, a group of 15 faculty and students from Rollins College, USA, crossed the Pacific Ocean to visit Tourism College of Zhejiang and take part in the two-week "Taste of Jiangnan" Chinese Cuisine Experience Camp. Co-hosted by the School of International Education and the School of Travel Service and Management, the program took traditional Chinese culture as a bond and Jiangnan cuisine and craftsmanship as a carrier, composing a heartwarming story of mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and American young people.

A Warm Start to the Camp. The delegation arrived in Hangzhou from Shanghai on May 14. That evening, they visited the campus supermarket and canteen, immersing themselves in the daily life of Chinese college students. Warmth and kindness quickly erased all unfamiliarity with the new surroundings.

The official opening ceremony was grandly held in the Intercultural Communication Training Room on the morning of May 15. Present at the ceremony were Huang Yiqin, Dean of the School of International Education; Chen Wei, Vice Dean of the School of Travel Service and Management; Professor Zhang Wenxian and Professor Gu Zheng from Rollins College, along with all participating students. Shen Zhengjie, a faculty member of the Tourism Guidance Program, presided over the event. A student representative voiced sincere anticipation and curiosity about Chinese culture. Dean Huang Yiqin and Professor Zhang Wenxian delivered speeches respectively, expressing hopes that this cultural exchange would become an unforgettable journey for every participant.

Cultural Bonding in Scenic Jiangnan. During their stay in Hangzhou, the American faculty and students embarked on an immersive cultural exploration centered on traditional Chinese culture and distinctive Jiangnan local customs. They got hands-on experience in a wide array of traditional crafts, including pottery, Chinese calligraphy, martial arts, paper-cutting, sugar sculpture, Ding Sheng cake making and dumpling wrapping. As they practiced these ancient arts, they felt the charm and profound heritage of intangible cultural heritage.

Field trips took them to the Zhijiang Museum, West Lake Scenic Area, the Grand Canal, Hengdian World Studios, Longwu Tea Town and Binjiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. Through tours of natural landscapes and cultural landmarks, the visitors gained a deeper understanding of Jiangnan and experienced the long-standing history and inclusive spirit of Chinese civilization where the past meets the present. A special lecture themed The Development Path of Chinese Entrepreneurs opened a new window for them to learn about China’s contemporary economic growth.

Youth Exchange Blooms Cross-border Friendship. On the evening of May 15, a distinctive cultural get-together for Chinese and American students was warmly hosted in the Intercultural Communication Training Room. Students from the Garzê Tibetan Class kicked off the event with vibrant ethnic dances. Chinese and American students worked side by side to make Dragon Boat Festival sachets and exchanged handwritten bookmarks. Though they spoke different languages, genuine smiles bridged the linguistic gap. At that moment, culture was no longer a mere term from textbooks, but sincere light shining in each other’s eyes.

Fond Farewell, Everlasting Friendship. The closing ceremony took place in the Intercultural Communication Training Room on the morning of May 23. Yu Hui, a teacher from the School of Travel Service and Management, presided over the ceremony. A student representative from Rollins College shared heartfelt reflections on the memorable moments and valuable insights gained throughout the camp. Dean Huang Yiqin and Vice Dean Chen Wei presented each participant with a camp completion certificate and souvenirs, followed by a group photo session. Tears mingled with smiles during the goodbye, yet sadness of parting turned into eager expectations for future reunions.

Far more than a feast of culture, the "Taste of Jiangnan" Chinese Cuisine Experience Camp served as a precious rendezvous of hearts. It enabled young Americans to draw closer to China, deepen their understanding of the country and grow fond of Chinese culture. Moreover, the program has built an enduring friendship bridge spanning thousands of miles between the two institutions and young generations of China and the United States.