The warm spring breeze brings anticipation as the Sacramento Sister City Education Exchange Delegation recently embarked on a visit to Jinan further to promote youth exchanges between China and the United States. The welcoming ceremony took place at Shandong Experimental High School.

Hosted by Ma Xindong, Superintendent of Jinan Education Bureau, the ceremony was attended by Mrs. Liu Zhaohui, President of the Sister Cities Association of Sacramento, along with 12 youth ambassadors from four high schools in California. Pang Long, Deputy Director of Jinan Municipal Committee’s Foreign Affairs Office, and Liu Yunfeng, Vice Principal of Shandong Experimental High School, were also present.

Superintendent Ma highlighted the cultural and educational exchanges between Jinan and Sacramento, emphasizing the significance of youth-friendly exchanges and storytelling. Deputy Director Pang extended a warm welcome to the visiting American youth delegation, reflecting on the achievements of the sister cities' exchanges and stressing the importance of youth-friendly interactions.

Vice Principal Liu introduced Shandong Experimental High School and its international exchange activities to the delegation. Mrs. Liu expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Jinan Municipal Committee's Foreign Affairs Office, Jinan Education Bureau, and Shandong Experimental High School, introducing the members of the visiting delegation.

Both sides exchanged gifts, with Shandong Experimental students presenting gifts reflecting Chinese traditional culture and the school's elements, such as the school uniform bear, which was well-received by the American students.

Following the welcome ceremony, the Sacramento Youth Ambassador Delegation toured the campus and the school's historical museum. They also attended a class with international department students, engaging in in-depth exchanges.

Since becoming sister cities on May 29, 1985, Jinan and Sacramento have engaged in various exchanges and cooperation initiatives. Shandong Experimental students actively participate in activities such as "Peace Poetry" contests and "My Hometown" short videos, contributing to youth-friendly exchanges between the two cities. Through this cross-cultural exchange, students from both schools have broadened their horizons, deepened their understanding, and planted the seeds of friendship. This sincere friendship is believed to serve as a new starting point for further exchanges and cooperation between the two cities, laying a solid foundation for future endeavors.

(Li Xiaotong; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Yuan Yuhua; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hou Yawen; Liang Ruixin; Xu Jiayi; Li Jiayin; Liu Lu; Yang Yang; Chong Yaqi; Yuan Yaning)