Peking University, March 21, 2024: Weiming Lake, the iconic landmark at Peking University (PKU), which recently saw the thawing of its ice surface and is now bustling with birds and sightseers, welcomed a trickle of young guests on March 20, 2024.

It was on the breezy morning of the spring equinox, and the youthful visitors, a group of ten students from Lincoln High School along with 14 of their peers from Steilacoom High School in Washington State, the US, were on an 11-day cultural exchange trip to China. 

Hao Ping (second from right), council chair of Peking University, meets with Richard Walter Muri, mayor of the Town of Steilacoom in Washington, who leads the exchange delegation to China

Gong Qihuang (second from right), president of Peking University, meets with the delegation

Peking University, one of the first stops of their China journey, embraced the high schoolers with a cheerful campus tour and a feast of interactive cultural and sports exchanges, during which they had a glimpse, listen, and "touch" of the 125-year-old institution as well as the vibrant and fascinating Chinese culture that enriches it.

Campus tour at Peking University on the morning of March 20, 2024

Campus tour at Peking University Affiliated High School on the afternoon of March 20, 2024

Roaming around the campus amid the Wednesday morning tour, the students explored the University's scenic spots, storied architecture, and teaching buildings enveloped by blossoms, marveling at the best of Yan Yuan in early spring while casually stopping for selfies and group pictures. Along the walk, they chatted excitedly with their counterparts from the PKU Affiliated High School about the historic buildings they passed through, each other's curriculums, and the interests and hobbies they shared. 

Prof. He Shu gives an introduction to Peking University

Following the campus tour, an exchange session was arranged in the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center, where Prof. He Shu from the School of Journalism and Communication, opening the dynamic welcome event, presented the audience with an overview of the University's history — its cultural ambiance and global reach — as well as her personal history which has been entwined with education, language, and communication. 

Through pictures and videos, the professor shared her previous exchanges in the US, in particular visits to American schools, one of her two "must-sees" besides museums, and recalled an American girl fascinated with the Chinese language, with whom she got acquainted years ago. Reminiscing about the enthusiasm for learning Chinese she witnessed in American classrooms, Prof. He said, with encouragement, "Chinese isn't new French; it's the new English." 

A Kunqu Opera performance

Singing the same words

A sequence of performances was subsequently staged, filling the hall with waves of elation and exhilaration. A Beijing Opera piece, "Village of Peach Blossoms," delivered by a bevy of pupils from the PKU Elementary School, brought the audience to the romantic springtide in ancient Chinese literature, while "Dance of Youth," performed by the PKU Student Choir, cheered the listeners with its tuneful coming-of-age harmony.

The theme of music as a universal language could be best illustrated in the antiphonal part, where students from both sides of the Pacific Ocean each delivered passionate renditions of Chinese and American classics, including "On the Field of Hope," "You Raise Me Up," and "Stand by Me." 

Peking University Chinese Orchestra performs "Blooming Petals and Full Moon"

Striking the same chords

The traditional Chinese instrument Guqin became an instant star in the hall as its tranquil and ethereal sound appeared, accompanying a piece of Kunqu Opera performance by students from the Affiliated High School, shortly after an introduction of the ancient instrument and the touching story behind it by Prof. Chen Jun from the School of Arts. 

 Students play Guqin together

Students from the two US high schools then were encouraged to give it a try, forming a "makeshift" Guqin workshop, even though many of them might just get to know the string instrument minutes ago. Although Guqin was "foreign" to them, a demonstration from their peers and a few practices appeared enough for some to play basic tunes. A string of notes and laughter was audible in the hall.
 

Ding Ning (left) with student representatives in a Ping-Pong friendly match 

Ping-ponging, back and forth

Still captivated by their Guqin improvisation, the American students were led to a Ping-Pong table in the back of the hall, where a friendly match awaited, a climax of the day's exchange activities. They were joined by student representatives, school leaders, and world champions who teach at the University.

In a series of "mini" singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, the American high schoolers "faced off" with their Chinese counterparts and with Olympic champion Ding Ning; and their mayor, principals, and administrators picked up the rackets themselves, drawing incessant bravos and applauses. 

The charm of Ping-Pong, a shareable and participating sport, lingered in the air throughout the event, as attendees ping-ponged back and forth regardless of their skills. On the site, even the world champions missed a few balls while beginners could win a point or two.

But perhaps more importantly, the active involvement in the friendly match served as a reminder that the same small ball carrying China-US friendship 53 years ago has an everlasting legacy, with youth from both sides eager to carry on.

"They pick up the sport very fast," extolled Ding Ning, who guided the American students during the event, "I can feel their passion towards Ping-Pong." As an Olympic champion-turned-lecturer, Ding was "very honored" to be a participant in the long-lasting bond. "I hope that we can keep this friendship going."

"...We are continuing the 'Ping-Pong Diplomacy,'" said Montserrat Romero-Rocha, a student from Washington, "The newer generation is taking the [rackets] and continuing that connection between America and China, and it is really, truly an honor to do so."

Reported by: Sean Elijah Tan, Dennis Meng
Written by: Dennis Meng
Photos by: Li Xianghua, Liu Yueling, Cao Qianqian