Bay to Beijing

Tag: asia

  • Day 15 – Lets Try This Again!

    Author: Kash Brown

    It was a long night.

    The next day, some of us could barely eat. Our nerves were still on edge. A few of us wandered around the hotel to pass the time and keep our minds occupied until the bus arrived to take us back to the airport.

    The hotel had a game room with ping pong and pool tables, a fitness center, and a massive aquarium that made for great photo ops. Outside, there were two large lap pools, though they were unfortunately closed off during our stay.

    To help ease everyone’s nerves, Bill, our group lead, challenged a few students to a game of ping pong. Surprisingly, he held his own! He had some slick moves and impressive footwork that caught us off guard. After a few competitive rounds, it was time to break for lunch.

    A few students went down to grab a bite before it was time to check out of the hotel.

    We returned to the airport in waves on the charter bus. Once our entire group had arrived, one student realized she couldn’t find her passport. Understandably, panic set in. There was a possibility she wouldn’t be able to board the flight home.

    She emptied out her suitcase and bags on the floor in distress, but still no luck. Bill quickly called the hotel and asked them to search her room, but they claimed they hadn’t found anything. I suggested splitting up, two people could go back to the hotel, and two could head to the U.S. Embassy nearby (just 15 minutes from the airport) to see what could be done. But Bill, being the only one fluent in the local language, didn’t want to risk anyone else missing the flight.

    Bill contacted the U.S. Embassy, and thankfully, they stepped in and applied some pressure. By the time he and the student arrived back at the hotel, the staff had located the passport, tucked beside the bed, and handed it over. They rushed back to the airport and made it just in time to board. It was a stressful moment, but the entire group was grateful that everything worked out in the end.

    Even though our new plane was different, the tension in the air was intense. Every sound, every bump, every dip felt like a trigger. But eventually, we made it. When we finally touched down in San Francisco, we were relieved. Exhausted, but safe. Some of us shared suitcases to fit all the goods we’d bought in China. We took one last photo as a group, then went our separate ways. Some meeting family, others hopping into ride shares.

    That should have been the end of the story. But then came the response from United Airlines. They offered one person in our group a flight credit—and nothing more.

    As a group, we submitted two formal claims explaining the trauma and emergency situation we went through. Both were denied.
    We even sought legal advice, but were told that without physical injury, PTSD is difficult to prove, and we likely wouldn’t get far with a lawsuit.

    So now, we’ve each submitted individual claims, still waiting, still hoping for accountability. Let me be clear, this wasn’t just a flight delay.
    It was a life-threatening, high-stress, emergency evacuation.
    One that has stayed with us and shaken many of us in ways we’re still processing.

    I’m thankful we’re safe.
    I’m grateful to be home.
    But this experience left a mark. And I sincerely hope United Airlines reconsiders what it means to support their passengers, not just when things go right, but especially when things go terribly wrong.

    This was supposed to be a farewell to an amazing trip. Instead, it became a reminder of how quickly things can change, and how important it is to advocate for what’s right.

  • Day 13 – Summer Palaces, Imperial Gates & Spice-Filled Goodbyes

    Author: Kash Brown | Contributor: Margaret Pazos-Zarza

    We set out for another full day of discovery—this time exploring some of the most iconic historical landmarks in Beijing. After a week in Tianjin, the contrast between the two cities was immediately noticeable. Beijing was bigger, busier, and more densely packed. There was definitely more traffic, and our bus rides took a bit longer, but it gave us time to reflect on just how far we’ve come on this journey.

    We started the day like most others—breakfast at the hotel, meeting in the lobby, and boarding the charter bus. Our first destination was the Summer Palace, the once-royal garden retreat of the Qing Dynasty.

    Due to high foot traffic and tourism, buses aren’t allowed to drive directly to the entrance, so we were dropped off about a mile away and made our way in on foot. Along the walk, we passed busy streets filled with bikers, small shops, street vendors, and tourists. The energy was definitely different from Tianjin.

    When we finally arrived, the view made the walk completely worth it. Kunming Lake, which we learned was man-made, stretched wide before us with boats gently floating on its surface.

    We crossed a white marble bridge to get to one of the first palace areas, snapped a few photos, and then made our way down a long corridor filled with vivid hand-paintings —no two alike.

    Each canvas was a masterpiece, and thinking about how long it must’ve taken to paint all of them was mind-blowing.

    We had a tour guide with us who walked us through the history of the grounds, pointing out key areas and artifacts. The entire palace was filled with moments that brought the past to life—artists painting the landscape, vendors selling traditional souvenirs, and the sound of distant instruments playing. It was a peaceful yet powerful reminder of the grandeur of imperial China.

    After the tour, we headed back to the bus and made our way to lunch. The warm weather had us craving a break from the heat, so sitting down for a meal was a welcome pause. As always, the food did not disappoint—especially the spicy garlic chicken, bok choy, and fried seabass with sweet and sour sauce.

    It was the perfect fuel for our next big stop: the Forbidden City.

    Just like at the Summer Palace, our bus couldn’t pull up directly to the entrance, so we walked again. As we approached, the sheer scale of the Forbidden City left us speechless. Before we even got inside, we ran into a group of young women in yellow t-shirts. They were a flag football team from Washington, and when we told them we were from California, there was an instant West Coast bond. We took a group selfie before parting ways and diving into our next historic adventure.

    Our tour guide gave each of us headsets linked to her microphone, which made it easier to hear her detailed breakdown of everything we were seeing.

    She painted vivid pictures of life under the Ming and Qing dynasties, from the emperors and their many wives and children to the architecture, rituals, and social structure of palace life. We passed the Palace of Longevity and Health, once home to Empress Dowager Chongqing, and the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility—both reminders of how this place was once alive with people, power, and politics.

    One interesting element that stood out was the presence of large ornamental rocks throughout the grounds. These unique stones—many with natural holes worn through them—were considered symbolic and aesthetically valuable in ancient Chinese garden design. They represented strength, harmony, and a connection to nature, and were placed intentionally throughout the Forbidden City to reflect those values.

    We learned that while parts of the Forbidden City are still off-limits, the Palace Museum, established in 1925, now houses over 1.86 million pieces of traditional Chinese art.

    We also saw several men and women dressed in traditional clothing, honoring the history of the space. They looked beautiful, and many happily posed for photos with us.

    After the tour, we made our way to a restaurant called Shulong Gorge for dinner. The dishes were flavorful, but this one definitely turned up the heat—literally. There was no shortage of spice, and while some of us powered through like champs, others tapped out early. Either way, it was a fun, fiery end to a full day.

    We left the restaurant, returned to the bus, and headed back to the hotel—tired, full, and in awe of everything we’d seen.

    Today gave us a deeper appreciation for China’s beauty, complexity, and legacy. From the peaceful paths of the Summer Palace to the grandeur and symbolism of the Forbidden City, every moment felt like stepping into a living history book. The artwork, architecture, and stories transported us across centuries—and reminded us how much there is to learn when we take time to listen, walk, and wonder. This one is an unforgettable chapter.

  • Day 11 – Closing Ceremony: The Final Day in Tianjin

    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.

    Song Zhi – The Old House Restaurant
    Seabass fish with sweet and sour sauce

    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!

  • Day 9 – Canals, Lions, and Legends: A Journey Through China’s Living History

    Author: Eric Perez

    Today, we got to see two major highlights of the trip for me so far. The first being the Grand Canal Museum and the second being the ancient iron lion statue in the town of Cangzhou! To be completely honest, I knew very little about the Grand Canal and basically nothing about the Cangzhou lion before today, so pretty much everything I got to see was such a surprise and such a new experience, it was really memorable!

    Right when we arrived at the Grand Canal Museum, we walked into this enormous entryway that was adorned from floor to ceiling with gorgeous stone carvings of all of the various regional cultures from across China. Our tour guide explained to us that both the wall and the museum were meant to reflect the path of the Canal, from the north of China in Beijing all the way to the south! So as we traveled along the museum path, we were able to see several regional cultures highlighted with impressively detailed still life’s, recreations of traditional scenes of work and leisure, and numerous cultural artifacts.

    Looking up there was a winding dark blue panel with makeshift stars and lights that was supposed to symbolize the canal itself. To me, some of the most impressive exhibits we saw were a wax sculpture recreation of characters from the Beijing opera and a long handmade panel of silk embroidery!

    We even got to see a sneak peak of the Iron Lion statue that we would visit later on in the day when we passed by a clay recreation of the statue surrounded by several life sized sculptures of various traditional Chinese martial art styles! Everything we saw in the Grand Canal was so colorful and intricate. It really made me question how much we tend to gloss over the diversity of Asian cultures in general in the United States, when there is so much regional diversity even within one single country like China. 

    Afterwards, we drove the rest of the way to Cangzhou, where we were able to enter the Old Relics Park. On the walk over to the lion, we came across a few sculptures that Bill was able to explain to us. It turned out that a few of them were characters from iconic Chinese literature! We got to learn about traditional Chinese stories like The Outlaws of the Marsh and Journey to the West. Journey to the West in particular was super intriguing to me because of how the story centered around the popular Chinese imagination of its historical neighbor, India.

    As we learned more about Cangzhou’s history as The Lion City, this history of contact with China’s neighbors like India continued to be an ongoing theme, which was just fascinating, since I just hadn’t really considered how complex and ancient that relationship must be. On the way up to the Iron Lion, we got to see a ton of lion art made throughout the centuries by local artists who got their inspiration from living in the shadow of this massive ancient monument to the lion. We learned that many of them came to view the lion as a symbol of the ferocity and power of the common people. Unlike the dragon or the phoenix, which were associated with royalty, the lion was seen as an invincible beast that was still accessible to everyday people. Because lions didn’t exist in China, people only heard of them in stories, through contact with India and Africa, so the mythology of the lion kept getting built up more and more. One of the funniest parts for all of us was that a lot of the lion art didn’t look very much like lions at all! Our guides explained that this was because very few people had seen lions before, so they had to come up with imaginary representations. 

    Once we actually got to see the Iron Lion, it just took all of our breaths away. Even with how ancient it is, it still had such an immense presence and energy. Looking up at it made me wonder how so many generations of local people must have felt looking up at the same statue, perhaps even in a more impressive state. How must they have felt, gazing up at a mythical animal that was older than any living memory, older than their grandparents or even their grandparents’ grandparents, wondering where it must have come from and what it must mean, but knowing nothing even remotely like it could be recreated by themselves. I feel like it almost shot me back through time, in that way. It reminded me of another possible theory of the Iron Lion’s origins, the idea that it was made in tribute to the Bodhisattva Manjusri, who’s seen as the spirit of transcendental wisdom, and depicted as a woman riding on a blue lion.

    I thought this was another really cool way that this experience must have been shaped by China’s ancient connections to its neighbors, India especially. I’m sure that contact with these new, foreign ideas must have added such a layer of mystery and inspiration f or the ancient people who created the statue, and to me it just drove home how interconnected the world really has been for so long, and how meaningful it really is to get to know a new culture with a truly open mind.

  • Day 4 (Pt. 2) – Fuping’s Work, War, and Welcome

    Author: Lorenzo Lopez

    What’s good everyone! 

    Day 4 was a day full of travel, fun, and adventure! We started off with breakfast as usual, before driving 5 hours to Fuping. 

    On the way there we stopped at a local gas station in a desert-like environment with rolling hills. Not much for sight seeing at this point but it’s definitely surreal seeing the Chinese countryside, in what most of the group realized how blessed we were to be there at that moment in time. 

    Once we arrived in Fuping, we went on non-stop tours to 4 different facilities including several textile factories and food processing plants. It was so different seeing the inside / “behind-the-scenes” scoop on the Chinese economy. 

    Once we wrapped up the site visits, we stopped at a Japanese War/ Mao memorial center in which we had to ourselves. It became so evident how strong the Chinese dedication to Mao and admiration for its past truly is. 

    The day ended with dinner at our beautiful hotel- followed by meeting some locals at the mall. The generosity, love, and friendship offered in Fuping is truly second to none. Fuping was truly a treat we’ll never forget!

    Today showed us the layers behind what we often take for granted—from the hands that sew uniforms to the history woven into rural towns like Fuping. Touring factories, walking through Mao’s legacy, and connecting with locals reminded us that every product, every place, and every person carries a story. As the sun set and we shared laughs with new friends at the local mall, we realized that some of the most meaningful lessons happen in the in-between moments. Fuping left a mark on all of us—one we won’t soon forget.

    Check out more photos here.

    The story begins… Day 4 (Pt. 1): Beyond the Label – What ‘Made in China’ Really Means by Nohely Peraza

  • Day 4 (Pt. 1) – Beyond the Label – What ‘Made in China’ Really Means

    Author: Nohely Peraza

    On May 16 we traveled from Tianjin to Fuping by bus, about a 3 hour drive. Fuping is located in a more rural area of China. General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Fuping County in December 2012. Fuping had been considered one of the poorest villages in the country, and the government worked with local officials to increase access to basic needs such as food, medical care, housing, and jobs. We visited a village the following day, on Saturday, May 17th, but on Friday we got an introduction to the region through its food, workers, and history. 

    When we arrived in town for lunch, we passed by a wedding celebration on our way to our dining room. It was so beautiful to see the red colors and hear the firecrackers honoring the newlyweds! Every single meal we have had has been delicious and expanded our taste palettes.

    After lunch, we visited a processed foods factory. The factory packaged fresh, locally-grown produce as well as ready-to-eat foods such as noodles and dumplings. Due to an increase in work productivity and the busy nature of family life, the demand for dried instant meals has increased. It was very interesting to see the flow between machine and manual labor, a juxtaposition we reflected on greatly throughout this trip, but especially in Fuping. 

    We then visited a factory that produced school uniforms. We saw how the material is cut using laser technology, is sorted for workers to assemble and sew, and transported on hangers to another floor for inspection and packaging.

    We also visited the museum that walked us through the history of school uniforms in China. A member of our group, Jeremy, played around with the settings on an AI uniform generator, and created ideas for Eastside uniforms! 

    After seeing how school uniforms are made, we made a brief stop at United Uniform Manufacturers, which makes uniforms for military, police officers, nurses and doctors, etc. We even saw a California Highway Patrol uniform, over 6,000 miles from home. This definitely puts into perspective seeing the words “Made in China” on our clothing and other goods. This experience enhanced our understanding of mass production, shipping, and at its core, the hard work of Chinese locals who are providing for their families and who have witnessed major changes to their local communities. 

    After the factories, we went to the Baoding Jinjachi Border Region Revolutionary Memorial Hall, which commemorated the Chinese Communist Party’s guerilla warfare tactics and victory over the Nationalist Party during the Chinese civil war.

    The museum was built to recognize Chairman Mao’s presence in this region during the war. We walked around the room he stayed in during this time period. It was chilling to be surrounded by the mountains where this history took place. We were struck by the graphic images of the violence endured by Chinese civilians during the time of Japanese occupation. 

    We then had a short ride to the hotel, where we ate dinner and then had free time to explore the local area. I went with some friends to the mall, and communicated with the help of gestures and my translation app to buy a pair of shoes.

    Day 4 took us deeper into the heart of China. From factory floors to powerful moments in history, we saw firsthand the resilience, innovation, and hard work that shape communities like Fuping. Each stop reminded us that behind every product and place, there are stories—and people—worth honoring. Another successful day!

    Checkout Day 4 (Pt. 2): Fuping’s Work, War, and Welcome by Lorenzo Lopez

  • Day 3 – A Day in Tianjin – Ports, Culture, and a Night on the Water

    Author: Jazmin Carrillo Morales

    We had an early wake-up call on Thursday, May 15. After breakfast at the hotel and a two-hour drive, we arrived at the Tianjin Harbor, one of the busiest ports in the world. Our tour guide met us there, he was very knowledgeable and passionate about the port’s history, current operations, and future development plans. He showed us a detailed map of the port city, and it honestly blew my mind how much infrastructure exists just to support the port’s workers and the surrounding community. It’s basically a city within the port.

    We also got to step inside one of their wine distribution centers, where they handle orders and prepare shipments. The tour was short and to the point, but packed with insight, especially for anyone interested in logistics or global trade. It gave us a better understanding of how products move around the world and how efficient systems keep everything running behind the scenes.

    After the tour, we headed to lunch, and it did not disappoint. The spread was incredible: fresh salad, noodles, tender chicken, fluffy pork buns, soup, tofu, and more. Everything was flavorful and comforting.

    Next up was a visit to the Ancient Cultural Street in Tianjin, one of my favorite stops of the entire day. The street was stunning, packed with colorful traditional buildings that looked straight out of a movie, lanterns hanging overhead, and vendors lined up selling everything from handmade jewelry to street food. We had about an hour and a half to explore on our own, and I could’ve stayed even longer.

    Walking through the street felt like stepping back in time, but in the best way. I had so much fun hopping between shops, trying to communicate with local vendors using a mix of hand gestures, basic Chinese, and smiles. I ended up buying earrings, a bookmark, and some Chinese chocolate to bring home for friends and family. A few of us also bought beautiful traditional hair clips, and the woman who sold them even styled our hair for us right there. It was such a sweet and unexpected moment.

    There was something really special about that street: the architecture, the energy, the sense of tradition. Every corner felt meaningful, like I was surrounded by living history. It felt amazing to not just observe, but actually engage in Chinese culture.

    After soaking in the vibrant energy of Ancient Cultural Street, we were guided to a nearby shop for a virtual tour of Tianjin. Using an interactive display, they walked us through how the city’s waterways connect across borders—showing how the rivers and sea flow directly into the port area. One highlight was learning about Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty and his excavation of the Yongji Canal, a major engineering feat that played a key role in shaping China’s transportation and trade routes.

    After that, we went to dinner, which once again was a feast. The dishes just kept coming: roast duck, rice, soups, veggies, pork, chicken. Every bite was delicious. You could tell everyone was satisfied and excited for what was coming next.

    And that next part was magical, a nighttime boat cruise through the city of Tianjin. As we boarded, the city lights began to glow, casting reflections on the water. For the next hour, we glided through the river, surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers, lit-up bridges, and crowds of people out enjoying the evening. The whole city felt alive. It was peaceful, beautiful, and a little surreal. Just sitting there on the boat, taking it all in with my friends, felt like something out of a dream.

    We ended the night by heading back to the hotel, tired, full, and grateful. It was a day filled with new sights, cultural connections, and moments I’ll remember for a long time.

    Day 3 in Tianjin was one for the books. From exploring one of the busiest ports in the world to walking the vibrant streets of Tianjin’s ancient market, every moment was layered with history, beauty, and connection.

    More adventures ahead… stay tuned.


    #EastsideToChina #TianjinAdventures #GlobalLearning #CulturalExchange #FromEPAtoChina #AncientCulturalStreet #PortOfTianjin #SuiDynastyHistory #LivingHistory #YouthCulturalTravel #TravelDiaries #StudentVoicesAbroad #EastsideStrong #ChinaImmersionProgram #JourneytotheEast

  • Day 2 – Tianjin Vibes, Cultural Exchange & AI Robots

    Author: Kash Brown

    Rise and shine—our first full day in China was packed.

    We were up early, dressed in matching blue polo shirts provided by Hebei University of Technology, ready for our first cultural deep dive. The shirts were fresh, but let’s be real—they ran super small. If you normally wear a medium, you were rocking an XL. Fashion adjustments aside, we came downstairs ready to roll.

    When we got to the bus, we found out we’d be sharing transportation with another student group—about 24 students from Finland here for a three-month study program. We were encouraged to mingle and connect, and naturally, we sat on opposite sides of the bus at first (them on the left, us on the right), but energy was open and positive all around.

    Breakfast, Tianjin Style

    After experiencing a full banquet-style dinner the night before, we expected something similar for breakfast. Instead, we pulled up to a humble local restaurant with outdoor seating on the sidewalk. It was cozy and authentic.

    The staff was welcoming and wasted no time bringing out dish after dish of traditional Tianjin breakfast foods like Jianbing guozi —some dishes were different, some surprisingly good, and one in particular—a sweet bread—was a hit with everyone. We could’ve eaten that all week.

    Jianbing guozi

    After eating, we had a few minutes to talk with the Finnish students before heading to our next stop.

    Touring the Hebei University of Technology Museum

    At the museum, we split up into two groups—Americans with one tour guide, the Finnish students with another. We took a group photo outside before beginning a one-hour tour through China’s educational and cultural history.

    One part of the tour that stood out: learning how a former Chinese leader discouraged education, encouraging people to live as peasants. Later, under new leadership, China shifted to a forward-thinking model, valuing education and forming partnerships with global universities like Cambridge. Seeing how they evolved into a hub for innovation and technology really hit home.

    Another highlight from the museum tour was learning about Yu Zitan, the first female college student to attend Hebei University of Technology. She broke barriers by enrolling in the Department of Chemical Manufacturing and later went on to become a professor at the Northwest Institute of Technology, paving the way for future generations of women in STEM.

    Before leaving, we took a bathroom break and got our first real intro to Chinese restrooms. Instead of Western toilets, they had squat-style ones—a cultural adjustment for sure. Luckily, we’d been told to bring our own toilet paper, but it was still a surprise for most of us.

    Opening Ceremony & Introductions

    Next up: the official opening ceremony at Hebei University of Technology. We met education leaders, international students, and Abby—the local program lead for Journey to the East. Each of them introduced themselves and shared what they hoped we’d gain from the program.

    Then it was our turn. One by one, we shared our names, backgrounds, and what we were most excited to learn while in China. After intros, we were called up in groups of five to receive our very own Hebei University of Technology backpacks and take a group photo. A great touch to make us feel welcomed.

    Lunch: Lazy Susans & 20+ Dishes

    We headed to lunch where we were seated in three private rooms upstairs, each with large round tables and spinning tabletops (lazy Susans). It made it easy to try everything without reaching across the table.

    They brought out dish after dish after dish—at least 20 in total. There was a heavy presence of pork (about 60% of dishes), but we also had chicken, tofu, beef, and veggie options. A few of our group members had shellfish and peanut allergies, so we had to wait for Joy, our translator, to tell us which dishes were safe—which wasn’t always immediate. One standout surprise? A dessert-looking dish that turned out to be cold mashed potatoes with berry sauce. Unexpectedly good.

    Robotics, AI & 3D Printing Innovation

    After lunch, we visited the Scientific and Technological Achievement Center at Hebei University of Tech. The center was focused on robotics and AI.

    They began with a lecture on innovation, tech design, and how students at the university turn their ideas into reality. Afterward, we got to see some of their work in action—robots built by students that were controlled by remotes and could shoot golf balls across the room. A few of us even got to test them out before moving on to our next challenge: building our own miniature robots.

    To kick things off, we were split into six groups, mixing American and Finnish students together to build our own AI robots using 3D-printed parts. They showed us a video tutorial that made the process look easy—but once we got started, we quickly realized it was more complex than expected. Some teams ran into wiring issues, while others got their robots up and running smoothly, responding to voice commands and prompts.

    Once we wrapped up the activity, they let us keep the completed robots we built—definitely a cool souvenir and a reminder of what we’re capable of when we collaborate and problem-solve together.

    Hands-On Dumpling Making + Dinner

    To close out the day, we headed to a restaurant for a dumpling-making session. None of us had done it before, so it was a fun, hands-on experience. We learned how to flour the dough, add the filling (pork or seafood), and fold it into proper dumpling shapes.

    Soon after, the Finnish students arrived and joined in. Once everyone finished prepping their dumplings, the restaurant staff cooked them and brought them out with the rest of our meal. Eating something we’d actually made ourselves made the meal that much better.

    Calling It a Night

    After dinner, we hopped back on the bus and returned to the hotel to finally wind down. It was a full day of cultural exchange, history, hands-on learning, and new friendships forming—exactly what this program is all about.

    Tomorrow’s another adventure. Let’s go!

    #EastsideToChina #China #Tianjin #GlobalLearning #StudentVoicesAbroad #EastPaloAlto #FromEPAtoChina #CulturalExchange #EastsideCollegePrep #YouthCulturalTravel #AIandInnovation #Dumplings

  • Day 1 – Bay to Beijing

    Author: Kash Brown

    It’s Official—We’re headed to China!

    After months of anticipation and prep, we’ve finally kicked off our Eastside China Immersion Program with a long flight from SFO to Beijing! Since getting selected in March, the excitement’s been real—and now that we’ve landed, it’s all starting to sink in.

    This program, hosted by Hebei University of Technology, gives students, alumni, and college students from Eastside College Prep a chance to experience China firsthand. It’s about more than just travel—it’s about breaking down stereotypes, learning through connection, and building bridges through food, language, art, music, and shared culture.

    Our trip wouldn’t be possible without Bill Kwong, our group leader and the heart of this experience. He’s been with us every step of the way—from organizing info sessions and handling logistics to dropping gems about Chinese culture, helping us get our visas, and guiding us throughout the trip.

    Departure Day: SFO International Airport

    We started the journey early in the morning with 23 of us—students, alums, and chaperones—meeting at SFO. It was raining (classic Bay Area weather), but everyone showed up on time, excited and ready. The check-in process was smooth, and once we got to the gate, Bill gave us a warm welcome and led an icebreaker game so we could get more familiar with one another.

    Right before boarding, United Airlines offered $2,500, hotel, food vouchers, and miles to anyone willing to give up their seat. Tempting, but with our whole crew flying together, we had to pass on that one.

    Flight to Beijing – 13 Hours in the Air

    Once we boarded, we had a bit of a delay—about an hour—because they needed to rearrange the luggage to balance the plane’s weight. Then it was wheels up to Beijing!

    The flight was about 13 hours long, and United kept us well-fed (though the meal names didn’t match the timing). Our first “breakfast” was actually dinner: chicken or beef stir-fry, a side salad, roll, cheesecake brownie, and a drink. A few hours later we had a lighter meal—balsamic chicken with arugula and mozzarella—and before landing we got our “dinner” (which was actually breakfast): scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, fruit, croissant, and juice. Confusing, but solid.

    Between naps, chatting, and filling out our customs forms, the flight went by smoother than expected.

    Arrival in Beijing – Humidity & Hospitality

    The second we stepped off the plane, the humidity hit us hard—a big shift from the Bay! We navigated the airport, took a quick shuttle to customs, and got through pretty quickly. After scanning our carry-ons and picking up our checked bags, we noticed one student’s bag didn’t make it. Luckily, Bill was on it and made sure it’ll arrive tomorrow.

    We were welcomed at the airport by our local hosts and boarded our private charter bus to dinner.

    First Meal in China – A Warm Welcome

    Our first dinner in China was the perfect start to this trip. The food was amazing, the setting was beautiful, and the hospitality was unmatched. We tried a wide range of dishes, shared laughs, and really started to feel the cultural exchange come to life.

    After dinner, we headed to our hotel. Bill had let us know that the hotel plans changed the day before, which ended up being a win—the Holiday Inn we checked into was modern, clean, and comfortable. A great spot to get some rest after a long day.

    Day 1 – In the Books

    From the rainy streets of East Palo Alto to the chill vibes of Tianjin, Day 1 was packed with firsts, bonding, and a lot of anticipation for what’s next. We’re excited to explore, connect, and share our experiences along the way.

    Stay tuned—this journey’s just getting started.

    Check out more photos here.