Over 50 teenagers from Europe and the Americas participating in the 2025 Young Envoys Scholarship Summer Camp at Lishui University visited Longquan, a county-level city in Lishui, Zhejiang province, for a cultural exchange on June 19 and 20.

They immersed themselves in the local tea, celadon, and sword-making cultures, experiencing the richness of Chinese culture.

The Young Envoys Scholarship, a program led by the China Education Association for International Exchange, aims to enhance interactions between Chinese, European, and American youth through exchanges, language studies, and summer camps.

International teenagers taste the local tea in Longquan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat ID: lqgovwx]

Their journey began with a tea-themed event, where they explored six types of tea, sparking their interest in Longquan culture. Matthew Steadensky, a participant from the United States, praised Longquan's black tea, highlighting the artistry of traditional tea-making and its pairing with porcelain.

Following the tea experience, they tried their hands at sword-making in Longquan, learning about the craftsmanship and spirit of resilience embodied in the swords.

International teenagers try their hands at sword-making in Longquan. [Photo/WeChat ID: lqgovwx]

They also visited Xitou village, which was recognized among the Best Tourism Villages 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, to explore dragon kiln culture. They donned traditional clothing and engaged in hands-on activities.

In addition, the participants crafted traditional Longquan snacks and explored bamboo architecture in the village, leaving with a deep appreciation for Longquan's unique cultural charm and captivating rural scenery.