"Flavorful" Cross-Cultural Dialogue: US Youth Savor the Tastes of Hainan

The "Hainan FTP Sino-US Youth People-to-people Exchange Camp" was held on June 2 at Hainan Normal University, where approximately 30 teachers, students, and parents from Utah arrived in Haikou, Hainan for a cross-cultural exchange.

American  and Chinese pupils make Hainan noodles together. (CNS)

At the event, the hands-on stations were transformed into a "culinary workshop." Ingredients such as mung beans, red beans, sago, watermelon, and taro balls were placed in separate bowls, allowing Chinese and American youth to freely mix and match ingredients to create their own versions of Qingbuliang (清补凉), crafting a personalized "taste of Hainan."

Fifteen-year-old American student Ian developed a strong fondness for Zongzi, while eight-year-old Willa especially enjoyed making Jiaozi. Together with their Hainan peers, they kneaded dough and prepared fillings side by side.

Team leader Matthew Taylor, a Chinese language teacher from Utah, has led student groups to China multiple times. He said that the American students on this trip range in age from 5 to 18, and have been studying Chinese for between 3 and 7 years, though most of their practice has been confined to classrooms. "This trip to Hainan turns textbook knowledge into real-life experience," he added.

In addition to food-related activities, the program also included more than ten cultural exchange events such as calligraphy, clay sculpture, batik dyeing, basketball friendship matches, and bamboo pole dancing. The American youth will also visit the Hainan Provincial Museum and explore Qilou Old Street in Haikou. (CNS)