Author: Staci Edwards | Contributor: Kash Brown
We kicked off Day 11 bright and early, waking up around 7:00 AM to get ready for one of our last full days in China. By now, our morning routine felt familiar—breakfast at 7:30 AM, meeting in the hotel lobby, and boarding the charter bus together.
Our first stop was Ancient Chinese Culture Street. We’d been here earlier in the trip, but our group leader wanted to give everyone a chance to revisit for some final shopping or to check out stores we might’ve missed the first time around. It was a thoughtful way to help us wrap up our time in Tianjin—and a nice moment to soak in the local energy one last time.
As usual, the locals were incredibly kind and welcoming. A few approached us, shy but excited, asking to take photos. We were happy to oblige—it was a sweet reminder of how much cross-cultural connection can happen in the simplest moments.
We had about 45 minutes to explore and shop. Some stores sold beautiful jade pieces, handmade fans, traditional Chinese silk dresses, tea and snacks, while others offered calligraphy art and souvenirs.
There was even a back alley with knockoff goods, but the vibes felt a little sketchy, so we didn’t linger there for long.
Once we wrapped up, we met back at the designated meeting point, snapped a few group photos in front of a lion statue, and boarded the bus.
Next stop: lunch at Song Zhi – The Old House. This meal felt like a celebration on its own. The spread was stunning—spicy garlic chicken, bok choy, fried seabass with sweet and sour sauce, and so many more flavorful dishes. Every bite was a reminder of just how incredible Chinese cuisine really is, and how much we’ve come to love it over these past few days.
With full stomachs and full hearts, it was time to head to the closing ceremony—a moment we knew would be emotional, but unforgettable.
As we got closer to the end of our journey, more students began to feel sad. We’ve all gotten so close to one another and we didn’t want to see us part ways just yet. However, the closing ceremony made us feel so much better, as we got to interact more with the international students. We explored the different booths of Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese clothing, painting, and so much more. We had a blast talking with the HEBUT students and giving them the gifts we brought from the United States.
Then, it was time for the performances. Staci Edwards represented the American students as one of the hosts for the ceremony.
We got to watch other international students sing and dance, and we also confidently performed “Cielito Lindo”, “Count on Me”, and “Cha Cha Slide”.
The amazing Nohely Peraza even performed a step dance to “Stir Fry” by herself. Go Nohely!
Through the closing ceremony, we all realized how grateful we were for this incredible opportunity to travel to China from America. We were wonderfully shocked by how welcoming everyone was and how much we actually wanted to take advantage of our 5-year visa and come back. We reflected on how much we will never forget this experience.
As the closing ceremony wrapped and we looked around at all the faces—new friends, familiar teammates, and supportive leaders—it hit us just how far we’d come. From strangers to a tight-knit family, this journey gave us more than just memories; it gave us perspective, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for cultural exchange. We laughed, danced, shared, and grew. And while we may be heading home soon, the lessons, friendships, and experiences we’ve gained will stay with us long after the plane ride back. China gave us more than we ever expected—and for that, we’ll always be thankful.
We closed out the evening with an incredible hot pot dinner at Hi, one of the most memorable meals of the trip. Hot pot is more than just a dish—it’s a full experience. At the center of each table was a simmering pot of flavorful broth, and we cooked our own ingredients right there—thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, seafood, and more. It was interactive, customizable, and totally communal—perfect for reflecting on the trip together over great food.
To top it all off, the staff surprised us with a fun performance, singing and dancing while we enjoyed our meal. It was the perfect way to celebrate our last night in China.
That’s a wrap on our final day in Tianjin! Next, we’ll begin our journey back to Beijing as we prepare to head home. Stay tuned for the last leg of this unforgettable adventure!
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