The China Story
at your Fingertips
OPEN
The sixth edition of "My China Album" — which records Americans' experiences in China — has been released online and offline.
The latest installment includes four short video episodes and a video feature collectively themed "My China Footprints".
A new book, My China Album, published by the Tsinghua University Press, is set for release in June. It celebrates the deep ties between the people of the United States and China.
Originating from a project initiated in 2018 by the Chinese embassy and consulates in the US, in collaboration with China Daily, the book compiles stories of friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding — drawn from the experiences of US citizens who have lived, worked or studied in China.
Now in its sixth year, the "My China Album" project has documented the journeys of Americans in China, emphasizing the strength of grassroots connections.
In the book's foreword, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng cited President Xi Jinping as saying: "The hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels."
The foreword reflects the project's aim to nurture goodwill despite complex bilateral dynamics.
"The message resonated widely in both countries. Amity between the people holds the key to state-to-state relations," Xie writes.
Each edition of the project explores unique themes, showcasing the diverse facets of US-China ties. Previous editions include sports exchanges and giant panda conservation.
The newest sixth edition, themed "My China Footprints", centers on Americans' personal experiences in China. It features five short videos, which are being shared on major social media platforms, offering insights into China's cultural and technological landscape.
Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, notes in the preface that My China Album is "a celebration of the enduring nexus between two great nations — a chronicle of understanding, love and friendship".
"This book is more than just a collection of narratives," he writes.
Qu emphasizes the project's role in revealing "a tapestry of interactions" — from historic diplomatic milestones to everyday encounters that bridge cultures. He also says, "Each story represents a unique link between the two countries, an individual lens through which we can appreciate the richness of another culture."
Spanning more than 200 pages, the book is organized into five sections, reflecting the journey of US-China engagement since diplomatic ties began in 1979.
The five sections feature 41 heartfelt stories, each illustrating unique bonds. The narratives, accompanied by vivid photographs, capture personal bonds that transcend borders.
The book highlights shared humanity, memory and destiny. The stories include a descendant revisiting China to honor a father's wartime bonds with local communities; the bravery of the World War II Flying Tigers and their descendants fostering lasting bonds; a girl's image in a rediscovered photo reuniting families across China and the US; a Utah community's initiatives strengthening friendships with China; and Richard Bush's deep insights into China-US interactions with the premise that "US, China are in the same boat".
Xie writes that the stories encourage people to "remember the past, and more importantly, to envision a brighter future".
Qu adds that the stories "ignite a spark of goodwill" for a harmonious world.
China and the United States each has strengths in science and technology, and the right path forward is mutual learning and cooperation for shared success, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said on Wednesday, as the US announced new curbs on tech exports.
"Blockades never prevent breakthroughs; churning waves won't hold back determined ships," Ambassador Xie Feng said at the premiere of the documentary My China Album — My China Footprints and the Glimpses of Modern China show.
The event celebrated the sixth edition of "My China Album", an annual initiative co-hosted by the embassy and China Daily, featuring personal stories, short films and interactive exhibits that explore US citizens' experiences in China.
Washington ordered a broad swath of companies to stop shipping goods — including design software, machine tools and aviation equipment — to China without a license and revoked licenses already granted to certain suppliers, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
The new restrictions followed earlier US guidelines seeking to globally restrict the use of Chinese advanced computing chips.
In a rare showcase in Washington of China's robotics technology, a 1.3-meter-tall humanoid robot, developed by Chinese tech company Unitree Robotics, invited Xie to the stage at the start of Wednesday's event at the embassy.
"So cute. I never thought that I would be invited on stage, you know, by a robot. So who knows, maybe one day it will be the one standing here giving the speech," Xie quipped.
He noted China's pursuit of innovation is not to oppose or out-compete anyone, but to improve the lives of its own people and the greater development of humanity.
"A big yard with iron curtains only leads to isolation; blocking other countries slows global innovation; and weaponizing scientific collaboration harms one's own credibility and weakens competitiveness," Xie said.
But he did recall the past feats the two countries made in science and tech exchange. They include joint efforts to promote folic acid intake that helped millions of newborns, and helping Africa combat Ebola.
Most recently, China shared lunar soil samples from the Chang'e 5 mission with Brown University and Stony Brook University.
In his speech, Xie noted that China is using technology to improve lives at home and around the world.
He highlighted China's advances in green development and technology, noting that over 87 percent of days in China last year had good air quality, and the country created one-quarter of the world's new green spaces.
China has also built the world's largest renewable energy system, employing nearly half of the global workforce in the sector. Its solar and wind products are exported to over 200 countries and regions, helping cut global carbon emissions by over 3.6 billion tons.
Xie also pointed to DeepSeek, an open-source AI model, as an example of China's openness and contribution to global progress, offering hope for bridging the digital divide in the Global South.
The ambassador also said that it is people-to-people ties that invigorate China-US relations.
"The future of this relationship ultimately depends on the two peoples. We warmly welcome more American friends to travel in China, shop in China, succeed in China and take part in Chinese modernization," he said.
Wednesday's event also featured four short films, telling stories that are diverse, yet unified by a common thread — the powerful impact of people-to-people exchange.
In My City, My Home, the audience met Charles Stone, a lawyer who discovered tranquility and safety in Shenzhen, and Neil Schmid, a researcher deeply engaged with the ancient Buddhist art of Dunhuang.
Welcome to the Future took viewers on a journey through China's technological achievements — from the speed of sleek bullet trains to the everyday convenience of QR code payments — as seen by students like Ruthie Fike and content creators like BeeRose.
Common stereotypes
Meanwhile, Misconceptions vs. Reality offered a refreshing counter-narrative to common stereotypes. It followed Dustin Madison, who was surprised to find Shenzhen especially welcoming for families, and Katherine Loraine Olson, who explored China's abundant green spaces.
The final short film, City or Not City, documented the whirlwind travels of Thelma Lancaster and Evan Kail, who made full use of China's extended 240-hour visa-free transit policy to explore Beijing and Tianjin, immersing themselves in the culture despite a brief visit.
"These stories matter because they remind us of what's possible. Yes, tensions exist in China-US relations — trade disputes and the technology barriers created by the US dominate news headlines — but cooperation and friendship remain the bigger story," Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said in a video speech.
Citing President Xi Jinping's remarks that "the hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels", Qu said that projects like "My China Album" prove this to be right.
"From Bill Einreinhofer, who is at the event today, sharing his Emmywinning insights, to tech firms like Rokid showcasing innovation, tonight's event reflects that vitality," Qu said. "China Daily is proud to amplify these voices, showing a real, vibrant China to America."
More than 200 people, including people from all walks of life in the US, attended the event.
In the Glimpses of Modern China show, participants were wowed by a dancing robot dog from Unitree that can walk on two legs and shake hands with visitors. There was also a robot that could do Chinese kung fu, and also help people with fire detection and 24-hour security checks.
On May 28 in Washington DC, the Chinese embassy hosted "My China Album — My Footprints in China" and the "Modern China" immersive experience, blending film with immersive tech.
Unitree's dancing robots and Rokid's AR glasses — capable of real-time translation in over 100 languages — showcased how innovation connects people across borders.
In December 2024, China extended the visa-free transit period to 240 hours, further boosting the convenience of traveling into China. The past year has seen an increasing number of international travelers, among them Thelma Lancaster from California and Evan Kail from Minnesota. Both had memorable travel experiences in China. With the upgrade of China's visa-free transit policy, Americans can expect to see more of the country more smoothly than ever!
The long-term biased reporting on China has skewed Americans' perceptions, but real-life experiences tell a different story. BeeRose fell in love with the culture, Dustin found a child-friendly city, Katherine embraced environmental progress, and Abe discovered warm hospitality. See how their perceptions changed — maybe it's time to see China for yourself!
China's technological advancements are revolutionizing daily life, impressing Americans who came and experienced the convenience they bring. From QR code payments and drone deliveries to high-speed rail and AI smart glasses, the future is now. Students like Ruthie and influencers such as BeeRose share their seamless experiences within this cutting-edge landscape.
From Shenzhen's greenery to Chongqing's community spirit and Dunhuang's rich history, many Americans are finding a second home in China. These stories highlight the diverse reasons Americans choose to settle here, from the rich history to the incredible hospitality. For many, it's not just a place to live - it's a place to thrive.
In 2024, China and the US celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations with increased people-to-people exchanges, more direct flights, and tourism summits. Under the guidance of the San Francisco Vision, nearly 15,000 American youths visited China for study or exchange programs, and cooperation on panda conservation was resumed. Closer ties between the peoples of China and the US have fostered greater friendship and vitality in bilateral relations, bolstering the foundation of peaceful coexistence and injecting certainty and stability into a turbulent and ever-changing world in the years to come.
The sixth edition of "My China Album" — which records Americans' experiences in China — is about to be released online and offline.
The latest installment includes four short video episodes and a video feature collectively themed "My China Footprints".
Respectively titled "My City, My Home", "Welcome to the Future", "China: Misconceptions vs Reality", "City or not City", and "My China Footprints", the five videos dive deep into the heart of China, exploring its long history, modern life and inviting policy, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the US and China.
Audiences are invited to journey through cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Tianjin, Lanzhou and Dunhuang, with each location offering a unique tapestry of experiences — from cutting-edge technologies to ancient traditions.
"My China Album" interweaves diverse narratives of Americans finding their place in China, marveling at technological advancements, challenging stereotypes, and forging connections through cultural exploration and educational exchange.
Brief introduction of stories featured in this version：New 'My China Album' captures moving stories
Charles Stone, a lawyer featured in the video, describes his surprise at "how much nature there was in a big city like Shenzhen". He also praises the city's safety.
Frank Stonier, an educator from the US state of Georgia, found his calling in Chongqing, where he is dedicated to promoting science programs among young people.
Neil Schmid, a Virginian researcher who has dedicated the past seven years of his life to studying the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, in Northwest China's Gansu province, expresses his profound connection to the site. "I think it's a site that needs several lifetimes to really understand."
The series also delves into everyday experiences with China's futuristic technology, emphasizing how Americans readily embrace the convenience and efficiency it offers.
"I love QR codes, just scanning the QR codes to pay for anything," shares Ruthie, an American student studying in Chongqing. She also expresses admiration for the streamlined mobile payment systems, allowing for easy transfer of funds between different apps.
Bee Rose, an American content creator living in Beijing, is particularly impressed with the high-speed rail network. As a mom, she admits initial uncertainty fueled by negative media portrayals, but her fears dissipate as she embraces the rich culture and diverse peoples.
Dustin Madison, who moved his family to Shenzhen, was pleasantly surprised by the city's child-friendly environment. He highlights the well-designed infrastructure and interactive learning opportunities available for children.
Katherine, an environmental worker, recalls seeing alarming reports about pollution in China. However, her own observations reveal a different reality. "Wherever I go in the country, there's always so many parks, so many green spaces."
The series further captures the spirit of exploration and cultural immersion fostered by China's improved visa-free transit policy.
Lancaster, a retired teacher from California, began her adventure in Beijing, where she was captivated by the city's blend of history and modernity. Her visit to a traditional Hutong home left a lasting impression, highlighting the "incredible ingenuity" of the culture.
In 2024, China and the US celebrated 45 years of diplomatic ties, the stories of young Americans who visited China for study or exchange programs, decades of ongoing bilateral cooperation on giant panda conservation, and more. All are recorded in the sixth "My China Alum" series.
A highlight of this renewed cooperation is the "YES" (Youth Exchange and Study) program under President Xi Jinping's "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, which has enabled 16,000 American students to visit and study in China.
The program has fostered cultural understanding and friendship between young people from both countries. One student shared the experience, stating, "We were talking about universities together and studying, so that was like one week that we connected."
"China is just so incredible," another American student exclaims.
Beyond education, the two countries also have revived decades of ongoing panda conservation programs, a significant symbol of goodwill between the nations.
The initiatives have not only strengthened ties between the Chinese and American people but also injected a much-needed sense of stability and certainty into the global landscape.
As President Xi says in his speeches featured in this video, "The hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels."
"My China Album" is jointly produced by the Chinese embassy in the US and China Daily.
Editor's note: The sixth edition of "My China Album" — which records Americans' experiences in China — is about to be released online and offline.
The latest version includes four short video episodes and a video featuring a deep dive into the heart of China, exploring its long history, modern life, and inviting policy, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the US and China.
Here is a brief introduction of the stories featured in the new edition of the video series.
Charles Stone, a lawyer from Illinois, US, was captivated by Shenzhen's unique charm when he arrived. Known for its economic vitality and natural beauty, the city's abundance of parks and greenery surprised him. Rain or shine, he became a frequent visitor to Lianhuashan Park, where he found inspiration to write poetry as a fan of Chinese literature. What stood out most to Stone was Shenzhen's exceptional safety, allowing him to explore parks alone at any time. With its welcoming environment and vibrant energy, Shenzhen has become home to over 100,000 foreigners, inspiring Stone to extend his stay indefinitely.
Frank Stonier, an educator from Georgia, US, has made Chongqing his home for the past seven years. Known for his efforts in combating mountain fires two years ago, he gained local fame, even inspiring a statue in his honor. Beyond his internet recognition, Stonier is deeply committed to promoting science programs for younger students, a mission that drives his work in Chongqing. He is now seeing his projects flourish and aims to make the city a strong base for his educational initiatives. Stonier admires Chongqing's growth, infrastructure, and vibrant community, embracing it as his home despite cultural differences.
Neil Schmid, a researcher from Virginia, USA, has lived in Dunhuang for seven years, drawn by its rich history and the Mogao Caves, his favorite place in the world. First visiting in 1987, he fell in love with the city and the caves, which he believes require "several lifetimes" to fully understand. Schmid has linked Dunhuang's ancient art to Western masterpieces, noting similarities between a Mogao Cave painting and Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. Comfortable living in the Gobi Desert, Schmid admires Dunhuang's culture, food, and friendships.
Ruthie, a student from Georgia studying at Chongqing University, has quickly adapted to life in China, thanks to its cutting-edge digital ecosystem. In just a few months, mobile payments and streamlined apps have transformed her daily routine, enabling effortless transfers and online shopping. Ruthie marvels at innovations like shared bikes and palm and facial recognition payments, describing them as "unbelievable" and uniquely Chinese. For her, China is a glimpse into the future—a place where technology seamlessly blends into everyday life, offering endless discoveries and possibilities.
Rochelle, a copy editor from Ohio, recently returned to China after several years abroad. Despite her long-standing familiarity with the country, she remains astonished by its rapid technological advancements. In Guangdong, aerial taxi services—a network of compact, multi-blade helicopters connecting cities across the Greater Bay Area—have captured her attention. These innovations, alongside breakthroughs like robotic home assistants and autonomous driving technologies, are seamlessly integrating into daily life, reshaping the landscape of modern convenience. Rochelle's perspective, shaped by her unique experiences, highlights the transformative power of these cutting-edge developments in redefining the possibilities of the future.
Bee Rose, a content creator from Louisiana, US, arrived in China six years ago, initially uncertain about her new life. Over time, she fell in love with the country, embracing its culture and discovering the incredible diversity of Chinese cuisine and the country's 56 ethnic groups. Reflecting on misconceptions shaped by media, she is marveling at the futuristic designs of electric vehicles, and being awestruck by the efficiency of high-speed rail. Her travels on China's sleek, punctual trains and encounters with advanced infrastructure have left a lasting impression on her and her audience of over 20,000 followers. Passionate about embracing progress, BeeRose uses her platform to showcase how China's rapid technological advancements are reshaping daily life and setting new global benchmarks. Deeply inspired by her experiences, BeeRose decided to marry and raise her children in China, as she now pursues what she calls "the Chinese Dream," fully embracing the opportunities and experiences her life in China offers.
Dustin Madison, a father from Illinois, US, moved to Shenzhen with his family two years ago and was pleasantly surprised by the city's child-friendly environment. Despite media misconceptions, the family found Shenzhen's thoughtfully designed infrastructure to be ideal for raising children. Dustin highlights interactive and educational spaces, such as science labs, which provide engaging learning opportunities for his son. The Madison family appreciates Shenzhen's unique blend of culture and innovation, making it an excellent place for families to grow and thrive. Their experience reflects Shenzhen's commitment to weaving child-friendly concepts into its urban landscape.
Katherine (陽離子), an environmental worker and content creator from Virginia, US, has found a home in a picturesque village in Hangzhou, China. Her perception of China changed dramatically over the years, shifting from the polluted image she saw in high school to the green and vibrant environment she now experiences. After earning her degrees from Nanjing University, Katherine began working for an environmental organization in Hangzhou, dedicating herself to preserving the nature she loves. She is impressed by China's rapid progress in environmental protection, from green cityscapes and parks to scenic riverside trails, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability.
Abe Powell, a popular foreign teacher at Lanzhou University, has called China home for 15 years. Originally from the U.S., Powell took his first flight abroad to work in China after graduating from college, never imagining he would stay this long. Struck by Lanzhou's modernity and size, it was the warmth and generosity of its people that truly captivated him. He recalls a village visit where strangers welcomed him with their very best hospitality, a gesture that left a lasting impression. Powell believes embracing new experiences and cultures is key, urging others to look beyond media narratives and visit China to discover its true essence.
Thelma Lancaster, a retired teacher from California, embarked on her first journey to China, beginning in Beijing. Initially filled with apprehension, her visit quickly evolved into a profound exploration of culture and history. A highlight of her trip was a visit to a traditional Hutong home, where she observed the ingenuity and charm of century-old living spaces. Beijing's seamless blend of historical depth and modern vibrancy left a lasting impression. For Lancaster, the experience underscored the value of cultural exchange, reaffirming her belief that greater contact between people fosters mutual understanding and breaks down barriers.
Evan Kail, a pawnshop manager from Minnesota, is exploring Tianjin as part of his month-long tour of China. His journey began with a unique connection—donating a World War II-era photo album to the Chinese people, an act that deepened his appreciation for the country's rich history. Now, as he experiences China firsthand, Kail is captivated by the vibrant blend of local traditions and modern lifestyles in its cities. Inspired by what he sees and tastes, including the famous Jianbing, Kail encourages others to explore China for themselves, embodying the sentiment that true understanding comes from direct experience.
Joseph W. Polisi, President Emeritus of the Juilliard School, now serves as its chief China officer. He has dedicated himself to fostering cultural exchange through the development of Juilliard's Tianjin campus. Guided by the belief that shared artistic expression transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, Polisi has championed efforts to bring people closer through music and the arts. His vision underscores the importance of listening and collaboration, emphasizing that even small actions can spark meaningful change. As young artists from China and the United States come together, they carry forward a legacy of mutual understanding, paving the way for a future of stable and sustainable relations between the two nations.
As a bridge of emotional communication, people-to-people exchanges are crucial to enhancing mutual understanding and trust between countries. Looking back, such exchanges and interactions between China and the United States have never been interrupted, and the stories of China-US cooperation have become more vivid from generation to generation. Themed "My Impressions of China - 100 Stories of China-US Friendship", the fifth edition of the "My China Album" video series comprises 12 episodes from the perspectives of music, film, tea, kung fu, animal protection and more, recording the important moments and touching exchanges between China and the United States and demonstrating the interactions and profound friendship between the two peoples.
China and the United States have only the responsibility to jointly uphold peace, and no single reason to incite confrontation, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said on Thursday.
"China is willing to be a friend and partner of the United States," said Ambassador Xie Feng. "In the era of war, we fought side by side; in the era of peace, we should also be each other's partner."
The ambassador made the remarks at the "My China Album: Sharing Our Stories About China" event at the embassy, attended by more than 200 guests, including Harry Moyer, a Flying Tigers veteran, now age 103.
During World War II, Captain Moyer fought shoulder to shoulder with Chinese soldiers to defend against invading Japanese forces.
Xie said that the foundation of the China-US relationship was laid by the two peoples, and its future will be created by them.
"Currently, China-US relations are still facing serious challenges. We need to forge a closer bond between our peoples and open our hearts to each other, so as to inject more warmth and impetus into this relationship," he said.
Since its start in 2019, the "My China Album" video series has rolled out five editions, with the fifth featuring stories of Moyer; Ambassador Winston Lord, a member of the US delegation on the historic trip to China in 1972, and other Americans in 12 video episodes, collectively themed around "My Impressions of China-100 Stories of China-US Friendship".
They capture the heartwarming moments and memories of people-to-people friendship, showcasing the historic interactions and profound bonds between the peoples of the two nations.
Xie noted that such stories have shown once and again that the two peoples can forge a profound friendship despite all the differences in system, culture and language.
He said that it is important to develop a right perception toward each other, and be friends rather than rivals.
"Seeing the other as a primary strategic competitor, the most consequential geopolitical challenge and a pacing threat, in disregard of our peoples' will for exchanges and cooperation and the world's expectation for a stable China-US relationship, would only push our two countries toward antagonism, plunge the world into division and turmoil, and ultimately lead to ‘self-fulfilling prophesies,'" he said.
The envoy also said it is important to stay undistracted by domestic politics and avoid creating new hurdles for China-US relations.
He said that while China will not interfere in US domestic affairs, including its presidential election, it also firmly opposes any attempt to manipulate China-related issues, exploit China-US relations, and damage China's interests during the election.
In his first comment on Washington's latest round of tariffs imposed on electric vehicles and other Chinese imports two days ago, Xie said the move was driven by domestic politics.
"This is protectionism in the name of fair competition. The real aim is to contain China's new energy sectors, hamper China's high-quality development, and get advantage in the elections by competing to be tougher on China," he said.
The launch of the "My China Album" event serves to amplify the crucial role that people-to-people exchanges have been playing in enhancing China-US relations, said Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily.
Over the past five years, China Daily has been a partner of "My China Album", focusing on stories of China-US friendship, of endearment and goodwill, and reciprocal kindness between the two peoples, Qu said in a video speech.
For example, the 2019 edition focused on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, and in the following year, it featured the Chinese and American peoples helping each other combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the "album" captured the beauty of sports featuring the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, and the 50th anniversary of giant pandas in America became the most popular theme in 2022.
"We believe stories of this kind are monumental and worthy of being recorded and retold," said Qu.
"The more we have explored the domain of China-US people-to-people exchanges, the more deeply we feel obligated and duty bound as China's national English-language news media. We are more committed now," he said.
Steve Blake, chief representative for environmental group WildAid China, said the "China Album" project offers a "really great" opportunity for people like him to tell a story about China.
"There's so much you hear in the news about challenges between the US and China, but there's millions of people just like me that have a personal story to tell, that our lives have been changed by our experience, whether we're Chinese people in America or Americans like myself in China," he said.
Blake said he had a lot of fond memories of China that he likes to share.
"So I'm really happy to be here today to be a part of something that connects our two countries more," he said.
The fifth edition of "My China Album" was jointly produced by the Chinese embassy in the US, the Chinese consulates general in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, and China Daily.
The awards ceremony and story-sharing event for the fifth edition of "My China Album" was held Thursday at the Chinese embassy in Washington DC. As one of the 17 winners, John Smagula, the assistant dean of the law school at Temple University in Philadelphia, said that tea culture can enhance China-US relations. Here is what else he had to say.
The Chinese embassy in the US hosted the fifth My China Album Award Ceremony and Story Sharing Event on Thursday. Joshua Chiatovich, a kung fu practitioner, was one of the 17 honorees. He said, "I think that events like this need to happen more and more. I think that America and China, my personal belief is that the thing that connects people is culture."
The awards ceremony and story-sharing event for the fifth edition of "My China Album" was held Thursday at the Chinese embassy in Washington DC. As one of the 17 winners, Steve Blake, who is enthusiastic about China's environmental protection efforts, said that "(this event) connects our two countries more."
Here is what else he had to say.
The fifth edition of "My China Album", which features 12 video episodes collectively themed around "My Impressions of China-100 Stories of China-US Friendship", will be celebrated on Thursday at the Chinese embassy in the United States.
Highlighting people-to-people exchanges over the years, the video collection reveals heartwarming anecdotes, captures moments of historical significance, and tells tearjerking stories of wartime comradeship.
There are retrospective stories.
A story based in Kuliang traces footprints of an American family, detailing how four generations initiated, cultivated, safeguarded and nurtured a profound respect for and understanding of China, its culture and people.
Davyd Booth, a violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra who was in the troupe during its historic visit to China in 1973, considers music a powerful adhesive that has strongly connected the Chinese and American peoples. He believes the two countries "should become not just friends but great friends".
Harry Moyer, 103, is a Flying Tigers veteran. During World War II, he fought shoulder to shoulder with Chinese soldiers to defend against invading Japanese forces. China never forgets American friends and their devotion, Moyer said, because Chinese people are practitioners of, "A drop of water given in need shall be returned with a burst of spring".
A family in Muscatine, Iowa, shares firsthand information about hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping in the 1980s, which led to an enduring friendship of 40 years. When members of an American household opened their doors to a Chinese visitor with hospitality, they sowed the seed of goodwill and kindness, which later blossomed into a much-told tale praised far and wide.
There are stories depicting young generations and their cross-border collaborations.
Students at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, have made many tours across China. With their Chinese counterparts, they visited scenic spots, tasted authentic delicacies, learned calligraphy, listened to operas and shot hoops.
More importantly, the youth of both nations realized the necessity and urgency of being open-minded, understanding and respectful of cultures other than their own.
There are stories documenting ongoing scientific cooperation.
Chinese and American scientists since the 1990s have engaged in extensive collaboration in various fields, including wild panda ecology, genetic structure, monitoring techniques, captive breeding and disease prevention and control.
Experts from the National Zoo in Washington and the San Diego Zoo participated in giant panda conservation and research.
It's always important to promote such exchanges, more than ever, said Winston Lord, an American diplomat and US ambassador to China in the late 1980s.
"'My China Album' and programs like that are needed now to increase understanding and relationships between our two peoples," he said.
The fifth season of the "My China Album" is jointly produced by the Chinese embassy in the US, the Chinese consulates general in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, and China Daily.
Pandas have long been envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. Experts from the National Zoo in Washington and the San Diego Zoo were recently interviewed by China Daily. They witnessed that over the years, Chinese and American scientists have worked together to achieve fruitful accomplishment in giant panda conservation cooperation and research.
Steve Blake was born in Oklahoma, US, and he has lived in China for more than 17 years and actively involved in China's environmental and animal protection causes. Blake told China Daily that he has witnessed the huge amount of resources and manpower China has invested in environmental governance and animal protection, as well as the fruitful results achieved.
Blake said that his career and life experience in China shaped who he is now, and he hopes to help promote mutual understanding between the Chinese and American people, which he believes is needed the most now.
John Li, a Chinese American youth, has harbored a profound interest in photography since his childhood. Throughout his growth, he has consistently used his camera to explore and document the world around him. His lens serves as a bridge, ingeniously transforming plots from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds into stories that evoke emotional resonance. Li told China Daily in a recent interview that storytelling through film transcends national and linguistic barriers, conveying universal emotions that connect people from different countries.
Winston Lord is an American diplomat and US ambassador to China in the late 1980s. In 1972, he followed then-US president Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, assistant to the US president for national security affairs, to pay a historic visit to China and became the only American witness to the meeting with Chairman Mao besides Nixon and Kissinger.
Over the years, Lord has witnessed and participated in the development of US-China relations. He recently told China Daily that the bilateral relations are about global stability and prosperity, and the two countries should strengthen cooperation for the benefit of each other and the world.
?
