Youth Horizon

Fifth “China in the Eyes of Americans – American Youth Telling the Stories of Hubei with Lenses and Paintbrushes” First Art Exhibition

Fifth “China in the Eyes of Americans – American Youth Telling the Stories of Hubei with Lenses and Paintbrush" exhibition was held at the Cupertino Library in California at 2:30 pm on March 16, 2025. 17 American teenagers, with nearly 50 photographs and paintings, participated in the exhibition. They showed the Chinese story to the American people with unique perspectives, fresh examples and vivid records, and shared what they saw, heard and felt. From June 10 to 20, 2024, USCCCA organized 12 members of YHCCA traveling to Wuhan and Xianning, Hubei, China, started "American Youth Telling the Stories of Hubei with Lenses and Paintbrushes" camp. This activity improved cross-cultural understanding and made the story of Hubei shine on the world stage. President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Otta Lee, Mayor of Cupertino Liang Zhao, President of USCCCA Min Song, Director of the Cupertino City Library in California Bryant Bao certificate to the 17 participating students. Many citizens visited the exhitition. They knew more about China through those artworks.

Participating student，YHCCA President, Bryan Chen said:
In June 2024, I successfully led 12 students to participate in the 5th "China in the Eyes of Americans" - "American Youth Telling Hubei Stories with Lenses and Brushes" event hosted by USCCCA. For me, this is not only an exercise, but also a challenge, which makes me deeply realize the responsibility as a team leader. This US-China youth cultural exchange activity has enabled every student to gain a lot and gain a deeper understanding of China's art, humanities, education, food culture and history. This is an important step in our mission to share American culture with Chinese youth while bringing Chinese culture back to the United States. I hope that more students will join our team to tell the "Chinese story" well and understand China.

Participating student，YHCCA Vice President, Meiqi Digioia said:
In June 2024, I had my second trip to China, and it was an unforgettable experience. I visit to Wuhan and Xianning as part of a cultural exchange, representing YHCCA. In Wuhan, I visited iconic sites like the Yellow Crane Tower, where I marveled at the stunning architecture and imagined ancient poets and artists who once sought inspiration there. I also learned about Hua Mulan’s legacy in Mulan Flower Township, and was deeply moved by a powerful theatrical performance about her life. In Xianning, I had the opportunity to visit local schools and engage in cultural exchanges with Chinese students, whose dedication to their studies inspired me. I also tried my hand at making lacquer fans and visited the historic Red Cliffs, where the famous Battle of Red Cliffs took place. Learning about these significant moments in Chinese history was incredibly enlightening. One of the most memorable experiences was performing in a traditional Chinese opera, which gave me a deeper appreciation for China’s rich cultural heritage. This trip allowed me to connect with China in a way I never had before, and I look forward to sharing these experiences with others through my art and photography.

President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Otta Lee said:
It's truly an honor to be here today to join everyone here to celebrate this wonderful artwork that tell so much of the stories as we say in "China in the Eyes of Americans." The theme of this exhibit is truly amazing and important because of the fact that in order for people to really understand each other better. I think it's so important to show-in this case through art- in order to demonstrate what it truly is. Artwork is able to demonstrate this. I'm just so glad that so many youth here and so many artists are showing off this great work. I want these artists to take these great moments and document them, document what's going on in the world from what you can see. I just want to say thank you for organizing this wonderful exhibit and telling the story of Hubei with the lenses and paintbrushes. Thank you again for having me, it's truly an honor to be with you today.

Liang Chao, Mayor of Cupertino, California, said:
Welcome everyone to Cupertino, thank you, Cupertino library, for hosting this event for YHCCA organization. It's just amazing-all the works that you have displayed. I don't know whose idea it was to use art and photography to open a window into China. I thought this is such an amazing idea because we usually see people do art performance but really with painting and photography. It opens a very different and more modern view into China. And I see that you guys take these photos with very unique angle that makes traditional Chinese building with modern building. So it's just amazing. I'm really looking forward to this fifth year so I'm wondering what was the work in the first, second, third, and fourth year. I'll have to go and find out what you guys have done in the past four years. I'm really looking forward to this. I think this is not possible without the founders Min Song and many volunteers. Taking youth, high schoolers, to an international trip requires a lot of liability, a lot of details on the trips to figure out, to make this possible to do year after year. Thank you, all the volunteers, all the moms and dads that made this happen. You guys are so lucky to be able to have this opportunity. I wish I had such an opportunity when I was in high school.

Liang Zhao, Mayor of Cupertino, California, presents individual certificates of honor to participating students.

Otto Lee and Liang Zhao presented the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award to six students from YHCCA who received the 2024 U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award

Mr. Bryant Bao, Director of the Cupertino City Library in California, gave a speech

Visitor Todd C. Sycks Said:
Celebrating Cultural Connection Through Art: A Reflection on the U.S.-China Culture and Communication Association’s Exhibit Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend an art exhibit at the Cupertino Library, hosted by the U.S.- China Culture and Communication Association—a group of high school students committed to fostering cultural understanding between the U.S. and China. Walking through the exhibit, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and admiration for these young leaders. Over the summer, these students traveled to Wuhan and Xianning, immersing themselves in the culture, meeting people, and capturing their experiences through photography and painting. Seeing their artwork and hearing their reflections, I was struck by how profoundly they connected—not just with the landscapes and people of China, but also with the deeper meaning of cultural exchange itself. Through their art, they weren’t just documenting what they saw; they were expressing their emotions, their insights, and their appreciation for a culture that, in many ways, has now become a part of them. What moved me the most was witnessing their passion, maturity, and enthusiasm—not just for art, but for their role as cultural ambassadors. They spoke about their experiences with such thoughtfulness, and their artwork reflected an understanding that goes beyond words. It was clear that this trip changed them, broadening their perspectives and strengthening their desire to build bridges between our two cultures. The local Chinese community leaders in the Bay Area who attended were equally impressed. Many of them gave heartfelt speeches, commending the students for their leadership and creativity. Some even presented certificates of accomplishment and awards, recognizing the incredible effort and dedication these young artists put into sharing their experiences. As I stood there, surrounded by their beautiful work, I felt hopeful. Seeing the next generation so engaged, inspired, and eager to make a difference reminded me of how powerful human connection can be. These students are not just learning about culture—they are living it, embracing it, and using their voices to bring people together. And that, to me, is something truly worth celebrating.

Bryan Chen Introduced the artworks and shared the thoughts of the event

Stewart Wang Introduced the artworks and shared the thoughts of the event

Chloe Xiao Introduced the artworks and shared the thoughts of the event

Enchun Wu Introduced the artworks and shared the thoughts of the event

Allen Tu shared the thoughts of the event to mayor of Cupertino

Fengshow interviewed participating student Bryan Chen

Fengshow interviewed participating student Jasmine White

(Photos from Yan Liu, Jianbin Wang、 Janice W. Chen)