From March 22 to April 3, 15 students and teachers from Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, a US sister city of Wuhan, crossed the Pacific to participate in the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Study & Exchange Program jointly organized by the Wuhan Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and Wuhan City Polytechnic.

During their visit, the American participants experienced Wuhan's unique charm, from traditional culture to modern industries, and from classroom learning to sports competitions, writing a new chapter in local Sino-American friendship.

Stephanie Michelle Grimm participates in live selling. [Photo/WeChat account of Wuhan Waishi Gang'ao]

On March 30, the group visited the Optics Valley Cross-Border E-Commerce Industrial Park, where they learned live-streaming skills and took part in live selling. Stephanie Michelle Grimm promoted pickleball paddles and was impressed by the sophisticated features, interactive systems, and vast ecosystem of China's e-commerce platforms.

That afternoon, a friendly pickleball match between Chinese and American youths took place at Wuhan City Polytechnic's gymnasium. Students from both countries paired up, demonstrating excellent teamwork and strengthening their friendship.

Young Americans pose for a group photo on the Optics Valley Sky Rail. [Photo/WeChat account of Wuhan Waishi Gang'ao]

During the program, the American participants visited the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, observing one of China's largest and most diverse humanoid robot training platforms. They also rode the Optics Valley Sky Rail, enjoying panoramic views through 270-degree windows and experiencing China's independently developed suspended monorail system.

Through a series of rich cultural experiences and deep interactions, youths from both countries built bridges of understanding and friendship. These exchanges continue to strengthen the ties between Wuhan and Tacoma, injecting youthful energy into Sino-American exchanges.