Bay to Beijing

Tag: china

  • 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 14 (Pt. 2) – UA Flight 889 – A Flight We’ll Never Forget

    Author: Kash Brown

    After two unforgettable weeks in China with 23 incredible people, the time had come to head home. We were flying back to the U.S. on United Airlines Flight 889 from Beijing to San Francisco, ready to rest, reflect, and carry the memories of our Journey to the East with us.

    That morning, I made a last-minute decision to upgrade my seat from 48E (a middle seat in the middle row) to 36A (a window seat by the left wing. I just wanted more space and a better view for my usual takeoff video, something I always do when I travel.

    As the plane started to lift off, everything changed in an instant.

    I heard a loud boom. The plane shook aggressively, and dropped back to the ground.

    At that moment, no one knew what had happened. The flight attendants instructed everyone to stay seated and buckled while they awaited updates from the captain.

    About five minutes later, we were told fire trucks were on their way “as a precaution.” I looked out the window and saw four fire trucks and three firefighters positioned under our wing, hosing it down.

    Then, one of the students in our group shared a video in our group chat. She was sitting on the right side of the plane and had captured the exact moment the engine exploded and caught fire.

    That’s when it hit us:
    This was real.
    This wasn’t a small mechanical issue.
    Our plane had caught fire during takeoff.

    At first, we were told it was just the right engine. Later, it was confirmed that both engines were impacted. We were very lucky the fire happened when it did. Just 10 seconds more in the air, and it could have been a completely different outcome.

    After about 30 minutes on the runway, stairs were brought to the plane and we were evacuated onto charter buses that took groups of us back to the terminal.

    We picked up our luggage and were told we’d be staying the night at a nearby hotel—Guoce Hotel—with a new flight scheduled for 5:30 PM the next day. I shared the flight update received from the United Airlines app with the rest of the group.

    The hotel lobby was chaotic. 229 passengers all trying to check in at once. While staff worked through the room assignments, they asked us to go have dinner. Most people in our group shared rooms, but a few of us (myself included) were placed in single rooms once the doubles ran out. It was a long, draining evening, with emotions running high.

    Some of the rooms had themes like rabbits on the walls, while other rooms were more posh.

    By the end of the day, emotions were mixed, excitement to return home, gratitude for the journey, and a bit of shopping-induced adrenaline. We said our goodbyes to our local hosts and program leads, took final photos, and boarded the flight that none of us could’ve predicted would become part of our story forever. What started as a day of reflection and lighthearted fun ended with a reminder of how fragile life can be. Thankfully, we were all safe, and that’s what matters most.

    In case you missed it, check out Day 14 (Pt. 1) – Our Last Day in China

  • Day 14 (Pt. 1) – Our Last Day in China

    Author: Kash Brown

    We started our final morning in China like any other, meeting in the hotel diner for breakfast before gathering in the lobby to board the bus. But today’s experience would be far from ordinary. Our program lead, Bill, had planned a special local experience to help us end the trip feeling connected not just to China’s history and landmarks, but to its people.

    We headed to a nearby community park, and it was beyond anything we could’ve expected. Over 100 elderly Chinese men and women were scattered throughout the park, dancing, stretching, doing Tai Chi, playing instruments, and working out on the public bars. Their energy was contagious. Their flexibility? Impressive. Their strength? Unmatched. Sense of community? Natural.

    We jumped in with a group of women dancing in a circle to upbeat music and even attempted a few of their stretching and fitness routines. But let’s just say, we couldn’t keep up. The laughter we shared with them bridged the language gap.

    Soon, it became a playful competition, with elderly men taking turns on the pull-up bars and calisthenics equipment, showing off their skills and inspiring us all. Their vitality was a lesson in itself: age doesn’t limit joy.

    Afterwards, we walked to a quieter corner of the park—a cultural tradition known as the Marriage Market. Parents lined the walkway with handwritten papers outlining personal details about their adult children, name, age, birthday, career, hobbies—hoping to attract a suitable partner for them. It was like Craigslist meets matchmaking, in real life.

    We began snapping photos and videos—not realizing that this act would soon cause an issue. A few parents started yelling, clearly upset. Security was eventually called, and our program lead stepped in to speak calmly with them. Turns out, our photos were unintentionally disrespectful. To them, this market was deeply serious—and they didn’t want their children’s personal information shared online. We apologized and left respectfully. It was a tense moment, but one that taught us a valuable lesson in cultural sensitivity. After that unfriendly encounter, we were ready to head to the next stop on our itinerary.

    Next, we crossed an overpass to a shopping mall known for, you guessed it, high-quality imitation goods. Many of us didn’t expect to find much, but let’s just say: we found a gold mine. One person even bought a suitcase just to fit everything they purchased, and helped others pack their overflow too.

    The fun part? Negotiating prices. Although we didn’t speak the same language, numbers don’t lie. Out came the calculators, ours and theirs, and the back-and-forth began. Prices dropped, totals changed, and deals were made with just a few taps. It turned into a fun game we wished existed back home.

    After our shopping spree, we headed to the airport. Emotions were high. We hugged our program leads and photographer goodbye, took some last group photos, and boarded our flight home.

    Our morning in the park reminded us that health, joy, and community are universal languages. Watching the elderly locals dance, stretch, and show off their strength was both humbling and inspiring. Despite the awkward moment at the marriage market, it gave us a raw glimpse into a cultural tradition we wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. As we left that space behind and made our way to the mall, we carried with us a deeper respect for the ways different generations and families express love, care, and legacy.

    Continue to Day 14 (Pt. 2): UA Flight 889 – A Flight We’ll Never Forget

  • 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 12 – Great Heights: A Day on the Great Wall

    Author: Miguel Aguilar

    We left the wonderful city of Tianjin early on Saturday morning, May 24th, heading to the Great Wall and wrapping up our program in Beijing. Before we departed, our amazing host Abby came to say goodbye, it was the last time we’d see her on the trip. Huge thanks to Abby for being such a wonderful host and an incredible person. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without her.

    The drive to the Great Wall was long, and we stopped for lunch along the way at a restaurant just outside our destination at The Great Wall.

    As always, the food was amazing. My favorite dishes were the glass noodles and the beef with spicy peppers. It was a perfect meal to fuel us for the climb ahead.

    During lunch, we also met Grace, who would be our tour guide in Beijing for the rest of the trip. She sat with our group and shared both historical insights and tips for tackling the Wall.

    After lunch, we arrived at the entrance of the Great Wall. We were given the option to take a ferry or start the climb from the base. Everyone chose to walk.

    We underestimated the number of stairs, and it was a very difficult climb! But after about 20 minutes, the view made every step worth it.

    The weather was beautiful, and being there in such a historic and symbolic place was surreal. Even after reaching the wall itself, we still had to hike to Tower 1.

    That part wasn’t as intense, and the breathtaking views and photo ops helped distract us from the physical challenge. Shout-out to Jazmin for being the first one to reach the top! On the way back down we encountered a group of local students who were very welcoming. We were both excited to meet one another. They gave us a red scarf, tied it around our neck, and then we had a photo op. It was a highlight of the trip that we hadn’t anticipated.

    On the way back, we learned that we’d be taking the tobogganing down, a highlight we were all looking forward to. Some of us took our time heading back, and along the way, we ran into a large group of around 30 – 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, making their way up.

    They were incredibly welcoming. One student even let me wave a large Chinese flag while standing on the Wall. All of us had the chance to wave it, and we took a photo together while shouting a Mandarin phrase. When I asked what it meant, they told me it translated to “Long Live China.”

    As part of this beautiful exchange, the students and teachers gave us red scarves and respectfully tied them around our necks, a gesture that made us feel accepted and honored.

    One student even bowed while handing me the flag, showing a deep level of cultural respect. It was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. What stood out to me most was the pride these students had for their country. Each time someone waved the flag, they saluted without hesitation. Their pride, discipline, and kindness left a lasting impression on all of us.

    Eventually, we made it to the tobogganing line. The wait was around 30 minutes, but the ride was fast, exciting, and totally worth it. It was like a roller coaster that I didn’t want to end.

    Once we all reached the bottom, we regrouped, took the shuttle back to our bus, and drove about an hour and a half to our dinner spot near the hotel.

    Everyone was hungry after the day’s adventure, and the meal hit the spot. We finished the day back at the hotel, resting our legs and recharging for the next day of our journey.

    Climbing the Great Wall was more than a physical challenge—it was an emotional journey. From the breathtaking views to the unexpected exchange with local students, every moment reminded us why we travel: to connect, to learn, and to grow. The pride, discipline, and kindness we witnessed left a lasting mark. It’s one thing to visit a world wonder; it’s another to feel welcomed by the people who live in its shadow. This day, like so many on this journey, is something we’ll carry with us forever.

  • 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 8 – Planes, Precision, and Pastries

    Author: Antonio Valverde | Contributor: Kash Brown

    Today started off a little differently than usual. The night before, we were informed that one of our group leaders wouldn’t be joining us for the rest of the trip—she had tested positive for COVID. The following morning, one of the students who wasn’t feeling well the day before also tested positive. Our group leaders responded quickly and thoughtfully, bringing masks, antibacterial wipes, electrolytes, and medicine to help keep everyone safe. They wiped down the bus and reminded us to stay masked throughout the day. One of the chaperones even made a plate of food and fruit for the student who would be staying behind at the hotel. It was a moment of community care that set the tone for how we moved forward—together.

    After breakfast, the rest of us boarded the bus for a full day of industry tours and cultural experiences. Our first stop was Airbus Tianjin. When we first arrived we were greeted with heavy security along with the disclaimer that were not allowed to bring our phones on the tour, however we were able to capture a few photos of the outside area.

    We climbed four flights of stairs to get to the top floor of the factory for a full view. During the tour we were presented with deconstructed airplanes across multiple warehouse buildings. It reminded me of how in video games you can build your car and customize different parts of it. We saw half painted wings, detached tails, and suspended airplane bodies. We also learned that constructing an airplane at this company is a big collaboration effort with other countries as not all parts are constructed here in China. Over 75,000 to date.

    After our tour, we headed to the Sea-Gull Watch Company. When we arrived, a tour guide greeted us and immediately directed our attention to the ground, where a giant sundial-style clock was embedded in the pavement. She stood at the 12 PM mark, raised her right arm, and explained that based on the sun’s position and the time of year, your shadow would point to the current time. A few of us took turns trying it out—it was a fun and unexpected way to kick off the visit. Then we headed inside to begin the tour.

    We learned that Sea-Gull is one of the leaders in the watchmaking industry and it was prevalent in their rich history and attentive detailed designs. Before entering the museum we were presented with life size human operated clock on the floor that used our bodies and the sun to tell time. Another personal highlight for me was getting up close to the inner workings of the watches on display. 

    My favorite part of the day though would have to be learning how to make a Mahua which is considered a signature food of Tianjin. The Mahua consists of a twisted fried bread which can have a range of topping and flavorings added to it. Before we got to make our own Mahua’s we walked through a museum mapping out the history of this signature dish. We learned that the first Mahua was created hundreds of years ago and the same technique is still being used today. The process today has been expedited with the use of machines in order to quickly produce more but the initial twisting technique is still made by human hands.

    When it was our turn to start making our own Mahua it proved to be quite difficult at the start but once I got the twisting motion down I was set. It was relaxing and therapeutic in my opinion getting the experience of making this delicious ancient pastry.

    Afterwards we were gifted gift bags with Mahua and other goodies along with a framed puzzle. We were then released into a market where many boxes of Mahua made it back to the hotel with us. Overall it was a very eventful day of museums and good food.

    From aerospace innovation to centuries-old snack traditions, Day 8 was a reminder that precision, creativity, and culture come in many forms. Whether we were watching planes take flight or twisting dough by hand, we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the people and processes behind the things we often take for granted. And as always—good food, good people, and new memories made the day one to remember.

  • Day 7 – Politics, Culture, and Connection

    Author: Kash Brown | Contributor: Maira Chavez Ortiz

    We kicked off Day 7 the same way we had most mornings—up by 7:30 AM, breakfast by 8:00, and on the charter bus by 8:30. At this point in the trip, we’d all settled into a rhythm. The nerves had eased, friendships had grown stronger, and we were finding comfort in the routine—and in each other.

    Our first stop of the day was Hebei University of Technology for a full schedule of lectures and cultural exchange. Professor Hui Wang led the first lecture, The Path of Chinese Politics, giving us a deep dive into how China’s system is designed to support long-term growth and stability. From electric vehicles and environmental reform to universal education, we learned how China’s approach is rooted in planning, intention, and collective progress. It was wild to hear that Beijing had only 176 days of good air quality in 2013—and how major reforms have turned that around in just a few years. One thing that stuck with us? Electric vehicles are never restricted under China’s driving limitations. That’s how committed they are to clean energy.

    We also explored China’s education system—learning how Chinese characters are broken down into phonetic blocks and how, through laws like the 1986 Compulsory Education Law, China eliminated illiteracy among young and middle-aged adults by 2000. Since 2006, basic education has been tuition-free for both urban and rural areas. That’s the type of policy impact we could all learn from.

    Once the first lecture wrapped up, we made our way to the university’s Teacher’s VIP Lounge for lunch. Somewhere along the way, half of our group got separated and ended up lost. While walking around trying to find the others, our group leader spotted a student riding by on her bike and asked if she could help. She kindly offered to guide us and actually rode alongside us toward the lounge. Halfway there, we ran into the rest of our group, so we thanked her for her help and asked if we could snap a quick photo before she continued on her way. Once we arrived at the lounge, we split into three tables and were served a diverse spread of dishes. The real highlight, though? A surprise scoop of ice cream at the end. Simple, but elite.

    After lunch, we met up with about 18 Chinese university students outside the dining area for a casual cultural exchange. Some of us were paired one-on-one, while others doubled up—no one seemed to mind. We had a little over an hour to connect, and even though we were given a wide range to explore the campus, our group leaders encouraged us to stay nearby. Some students hung out at a local coffee shop, some explored the food court, and others took their time walking through the campus library.

    One fun cultural difference? Naps. After lunch, most of the Chinese students went to take a nap—which, honestly, we respected. It brought us back to kindergarten days and made a lot of sense. Rest to reset. America, take notes.

    What stood out most during these interactions was how similar we all were—bonding over music, photography, fashion, and our favorite snacks. We exchanged WeChat info, took a big group photo, and made our way to the next lecture.

    Professor Shanglian Zhang welcomed us with high energy for her session on Diversity in Harmony: The Essence of Chinese Culture. She had previously taught the Finnish students who joined us, so there was a cool familiarity and vibe in the room. She spoke about China’s geography, its 14 bordering countries, and the incredible diversity in dialects, food, folk art, and traditions across regions. She broke down Confucian philosophy and what defines Chinese national character—diligence, kindness, hospitality, and balance. It was both educational and inspiring.

    After a full day of learning, we headed back to the hotel to rest up. Or so we thought. About 15 minutes after we checked in, the power went out. Thankfully, we had just gotten off the elevator (close call!). Luckily, it came back on within 20 minutes.

    Around 30 minutes later we were notified by the group leader to meet in the hotel lobby so we could out for dinner—this time all together in one room with three large tables and the usual lazy Susan setup. Most dishes were familiar by now, but one in particular stole the show: a ramen dish that came out displayed on a wooden plank, with the noodles draped over two chopsticks that were propped up in the center. It was basically made for a photo op—and yes, we all got the shot.

    After another amazing meal, a few of us decided to grab a foot massage before turning in for the night. Definitely one of the more unique experiences on this trip so far, but honestly, much needed after all the walking and long days. We made it back to the hotel feeling relaxed, full, and grateful.

    Today reminded us that the heart of cultural exchange isn’t just in the lectures or history lessons—it’s in the quiet conversations, shared laughs, and moments of connection. Whether we were learning about politics, discussing our favorite artists, or comparing philosophies on rest, we walked away with a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of something global. And that’s something we’ll carry with us, long after the trip is over.

  • Day 5: Echoes of the Past, Seeds of the Future

    Author: Bryan D’Mar Zepeda-Carranza

    The day after checking in to our hotel in Fuping, we started the morning by visiting one of two rural villages in Fuping. Historically, the area served as an important military post helping the Chinese army push back the Japanese; its mountainous terrain made it suitable for guerrilla warfare against the imperial army. Today, Fuping is described as having some of the poorest villages in the Hebei province; possibly largely ignored by previous Chinese leaders who were more focused on developing Chinas economic hubs. President Xi Jinping has promised to eliminate poverty in rural areas; his leadership aims to prioritize development in areas of need like Fuping and not just major metropolitan areas. 

    We walked up some steps into a very clean courtyard with a large TV in the center showing president Xi Jinping speaking to a woman. We found out that the courtyard and the area around was the woman’s former home and president Xi Jinping visited this exact location more than 10 years ago. To our surprise, the woman in the video appeared in front of us and shared her experience. Speaking a local Chinese dialect, Joy who is from Inner Mongolia and shares a similar dialect, attempted to translate. We learned that the village was in very poor condition before the governments visit. The villager went into detail about how difficult life was like back then having to care for her children and not having much food to live off of. Joy later explained she could feel the emotion coming from her voice. We also got to see the inside of her former home. Inside we were able to see a Northerner’s bed style which used the fire for cooking to warm the bed during winter. 

    We next got a small tour of a few villager homes, where we could see some of their personal belongings. Facing the main entrance was a  wall with a portrait of Mao and president Xi Jinping.

    We then continued to see more homes, this time former homes. The walls of these homes, over 100 years old, were made out of grass and mud; it was very hard to see inside since these homes did not have electricity. Walking in one actually reminded me of how many village people in Mexico, like my own mother, also lived like this. It made me wonder what she would think seeing homes of similar design all the way in China. We then visited another local area where the president met with not just village leaders but also the villagers themselves to discuss needs for the village for happiness.

    After visiting the villages, we then went to visit a mushroom farm that had biotechnology assistance. With assistance from researchers, the mushroom spores are exposed to intense sterilization techniques before seeded in optimal conditions in warehouses. 

    Here, we learned that this farm provides mushrooms to many supermarkets in China. I reflected here a little on how we were getting a glimpse of the sustainability China has in feeding its massive population. Of course, the visit ended with everyone having the opportunity to try one of their delicious mushrooms.

    Today reminded us that behind every government initiative or headline are real people with real stories. Walking through the village, hearing a mother’s voice crack with emotion, and seeing homes made of earth and grit grounded us in the resilience of rural China. From century-old homes to biotech-powered mushroom farms, Day 5 was a powerful reminder of what progress looks like—and how deeply connected our stories can be across borders.