At the end of December, just before the New Year, my mom and I traveled to her birth country, China. The trip was part of China’s “50,000 in 5 Years” program, which invites American students to visit China for cultural exchange and educational experiences. I had participated in the program the previous summer with my younger brother, Caden, and it was one of the most memorable trips I had ever taken. When the opportunity came up again during winter break, I was excited to return, this time traveling with my mom.

Our trip began in Shanghai, where we visited the famous Oriental Pearl Tower. From the observation deck we could see the skyline stretching across the Huangpu River. The most memorable moment was stepping onto a glass floor 350 feet above the ground and looking out across the city. Later that night, we took a boat along the same river and saw the city from the water, with lights from skyscrapers reflecting across the river on both sides.

Food quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Many of our meals were served at large round tables with a rotating glass center, where more than ten dishes were shared at once. We would spin the table to reach different plates and try a variety of foods together. On other days, we would gather around hot pots and cook ingredients in different broths and sauces. During the conversations we had while sharing traditional food, I learned where everyone came from and about their different experiences growing up.

Another highlight was visiting Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a historic water town with narrow streets, stone bridges, and traditional shops cramped along the river. We first arrived by boat, slowly moving through the canals while old buildings and arching bridges passed by on both sides. While we were there, we were hosted by a small family-run shop along the canal, where we learned how to make zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. The process was much harder than I expected. The rice kept sticking to my fingers and sliding out of the leaf whenever I tried to adjust it. Folding it into the final shape was even more intricate, and I was impressed by how easily the shop owners could fold and tie the leaves after years of practice. It was a messy but memorable experience and working with the ingredients myself made the food feel more meaningful.

Later in the trip we visited the Giant Panda Breeding Base in Chengdu. The air was cool and misty as we walked along paths through the bamboo forests and observed pandas eating leaves or lounging around. In addition to the familiar black-and-white pandas, we also saw red pandas climbing gracefully among the bamboo branches.

While those moments stood out the most to me, the trip was filled with many other cultural experiences. In Chengdu we learned about Sichuan culture through activities like Tai Chi, traditional tea art, and the famous Sichuan opera face-changing performance. Seeing how quickly performers could switch masks right in front of us was fascinating. During the performance, we drank tea from gaiwans, which are traditional cups composed of a saucer, bowl, and lid that symbolize the earth, humankind, and the sky. We also explored historic areas, visited cultural sites, and learned about different traditions throughout the trip.

Traveling with students of different backgrounds and ages also made the experience more meaningful and memorable to me. I enjoyed hearing their perspectives and learning from their experiences. Our conversations, whether during activities or around the dinner table, often taught me just as much as the places we visited.

Spending time in China with my mom, taking part in everyday traditions, and sharing the experience with other Chinese American students gave me a deeper understanding of my culture. As the year turned from 2025 to 2026, I felt a renewed sense of connection and will continue to carry with me the memories, lessons, and perspectives I gained through my time in China.