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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
