Chinese and French teens forge friendships through cultural exchange in Yichang
2026-10-31 18:10:12
By Ma Yuanchen
A China-France youth exchange event brought 16 French teenagers and 16 young participants from Hubei together in Yichang from October 24 to 27, marking the first time the “L'amitié franco-chinoise Village Copain du Monde” program had been held in the city.
Under the theme “Children of the World Are One, Building a Community with a Shared Future,” the four-day program featured school visits, cultural activities and tours of local landmarks, giving the teenagers opportunities to learn about each other's cultures and build friendships.
At a citrus orchard in Guanzhuang Village, the Chinese and French students picked and sampled Yichang tangerines while sharing stories about the food and traditions of their hometowns. At the Three Gorges Dam, they explored the Three Gorges Project Museum, the River Closure Memorial Park and the 185 Platform. Learning about the massive water-control project, they also gained insight into China's approach to balancing development with environmental protection and safeguarding the Yangtze River.
The exchange continued at Second Avenue, where the teenagers visited the Yichang International Sister Cities Youth Art Exhibition. Works by students from Tianwen School showcased the scenery of the Three Gorges, while their French counterparts presented their own paintings. The students also attended a joint music class, singing Chinese and French favorites such as “Jasmine Flower” and “Les Champs-Élysées”.
The program concluded with a folk culture fair at Yiling Tianwen Kindergarten, where the teenagers explored traditional crafts and watched a shadow puppet show. The French students even tried manipulating the puppets themselves, getting a hands-on introduction to this traditional art form. Various handicrafts and folk activities also offered them a glimpse into the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Ba-Chu region.
Zhang Zuxian, a Grade 10 student at Tianwen International High School, said he and his French peers made handwritten posters, introduced each other to local food and landmarks, and taught one another words in Chinese and French.
“I used to learn about France mostly through the internet and books. Meeting French students in person has given me a more vivid and well-rounded understanding of their country. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to make new friends,” he said.
French student Youssef Djermane said he had made many new friends and learned a great deal about Chinese culture. The closing ceremony's musical performances were particularly memorable to him.
“I love traditional Chinese songs. Singing them together with my Chinese friends was a wonderful experience,” he said.
Pierre, a French representative accompanying the group, noted that many of the teenagers were visiting China — and even Asia — for the first time. “This program gives our children an opportunity to experience China firsthand,” he said.
At the end of the program, the students exchanged contact details and promised to stay in touch.
Zheng Yan, Mei Yuan also contributed to the story.
A China-France youth exchange event brought 16 French teenagers and 16 young participants from Hubei together in Yichang from October 24 to 27, marking the first time the “L'amitié franco-chinoise Village Copain du Monde” program had been held in the city.
Under the theme “Children of the World Are One, Building a Community with a Shared Future,” the four-day program featured school visits, cultural activities and tours of local landmarks, giving the teenagers opportunities to learn about each other's cultures and build friendships.
At a citrus orchard in Guanzhuang Village, the Chinese and French students picked and sampled Yichang tangerines while sharing stories about the food and traditions of their hometowns. At the Three Gorges Dam, they explored the Three Gorges Project Museum, the River Closure Memorial Park and the 185 Platform. Learning about the massive water-control project, they also gained insight into China's approach to balancing development with environmental protection and safeguarding the Yangtze River.
The exchange continued at Second Avenue, where the teenagers visited the Yichang International Sister Cities Youth Art Exhibition. Works by students from Tianwen School showcased the scenery of the Three Gorges, while their French counterparts presented their own paintings. The students also attended a joint music class, singing Chinese and French favorites such as “Jasmine Flower” and “Les Champs-Élysées”.
The program concluded with a folk culture fair at Yiling Tianwen Kindergarten, where the teenagers explored traditional crafts and watched a shadow puppet show. The French students even tried manipulating the puppets themselves, getting a hands-on introduction to this traditional art form. Various handicrafts and folk activities also offered them a glimpse into the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Ba-Chu region.
Zhang Zuxian, a Grade 10 student at Tianwen International High School, said he and his French peers made handwritten posters, introduced each other to local food and landmarks, and taught one another words in Chinese and French.
“I used to learn about France mostly through the internet and books. Meeting French students in person has given me a more vivid and well-rounded understanding of their country. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to make new friends,” he said.
French student Youssef Djermane said he had made many new friends and learned a great deal about Chinese culture. The closing ceremony's musical performances were particularly memorable to him.
“I love traditional Chinese songs. Singing them together with my Chinese friends was a wonderful experience,” he said.
Pierre, a French representative accompanying the group, noted that many of the teenagers were visiting China — and even Asia — for the first time. “This program gives our children an opportunity to experience China firsthand,” he said.
At the end of the program, the students exchanged contact details and promised to stay in touch.
Zheng Yan, Mei Yuan also contributed to the story.
Chinese and French teenagers experience shadow puppetry together
