Bay to Beijing

Tag: culture

  • 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 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.