Author: Staci Edwards
(Xiong’an and Chili Farm)
On Day 6, most of the group members began to feel settled in. We were making new friends, laughing at each other’s jokes, and trying new foods with one another. For some of us, this was our first time traveling internationally, but the positivity of Bill Kwong, Joy, and Emily made everyone feel safe and welcomed. Some students even began to feel a little homesick, but other members stepped in to remind them that we have each others’ backs.
After learning a bit about the rich history of China, the American students went to Xiong’an, also known as “The Smart City”. We took a look around the amazing developments and then headed to the museum that highlighted the great potential future of the area. The exhibition was amazing—from the holograms, to the projected images, to the physical mini representation of the city, we were shocked at the level of detail the museum put into creating a meaningful experience for its audience.
Many of us bought a few items from the store of the museum, like bookmarks, incense, notebooks, pins, and stamps. Some of us actually spent more money than we anticipated! It was all worth it in the end though, because we got to bring these souvenirs home as gifts for our loved ones. Joy was also quick to help us translate when we weren’t sure of what something was <3.
After an insightful visit to the Xiong’an exhibition, we went to a well-renowned chili farm with the Finnish students! We learned about how the factory uses the chilis’ sizes, color, length, and curvature to determine which ones they will sell and throw away. We got to test what we learned by sorting the chilis ourselves, AND even got to try one!
Then, we participated in a panel where American students and Finnish students talked about how their respective countries are doing what they can to help their people thrive. What an interesting topic!
Day 6 reminded us that growth isn’t just found in history books or high-tech exhibits—it’s found in connection. Whether we were in awe of futuristic holograms, sorting chili peppers by hand, or sitting in a circle sharing stories with students from Finland, we realized how different—and yet how similar—our worlds truly are. As this journey continues, one thing is clear: it’s not just about the places we visit, but the people we experience them with.
The story continues… Day 6 (Pt. 2): Xiong’an – A Trip to the Future by Dennyce Martinez Arriaga
Checkout more photos here.
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