From June 14 to 23, a delegation of university students and teachers from Los Angeles, the United States, visited Guangzhou to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two cities.

They celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival and immersed themselves in Lingnan culture through a variety of traditional activities.

Guided by expert instructors, the youth ambassadors learned about the origins of the festival, the cultural significance of sachets, and the traditional use of herbs for health and well-being. They crafted their own sachets and experienced the intricate craftsmanship behind traditional Chinese arts.

They watched vibrant dragon boat races on the Liede River in Tianhe, which highlighted the communal unity and cultural vitality of the Lingnan region. They also shared a traditional Dragon Boat meal with local villagers, further deepening their understanding of Lingnan's festive culinary traditions.

Daniel Ponce, one of the participants, expressed his excitement and newfound appreciation for Guangzhou, saying it was unlike anything he had experienced before. He said that this visit had truly strengthened the bond between Guangzhou and Los Angeles, and he looked forward to returning and sharing his experiences with others in Los Angeles.

US youth delegates pose for a group photo at the Liede International Neighborhood in Tianhe. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]