Dozens of high school students explored Chinese culture through art and craft activities at the "Touch of China in Chinatown" event held at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center in Washington on Nov 6.

The students, from Leonardtown High School in St. Mary's County, Maryland, are enrolled in the school's Chinese language program. The event offered them a hands-on introduction to traditional Chinese arts, from clay panda making to calligraphy and knot-tying.

Laughter and chatter filled the room as students focused on shaping panda figurines under an instructor's guidance. Two panda mascots added to the cheerful atmosphere, while a China-themed trivia quiz tested students' knowledge for small prizes.

Kinsey Albin, a senior in her fourth year of Chinese studies, said she enjoyed combining language learning with cultural immersion. "I really love pandas. I think they're very cute," she said. "I'm having a lot of fun sitting with my friends, making crafts, and celebrating Chinese culture."

Albin said studying Chinese has broadened her perspective. "Learning the language has taught me it's better to have a bridge between countries," she said. "It's really important to have an international connection and to establish friendliness."

Her interest now extends to Chinese pop culture and internet memes. She plans to minor in Chinese in college and join a school trip to China next spring, visiting cities including Xi'an. "It's a big dream of mine to experience the culture there," she said.

The event was the latest in the "Touch of China in Chinatown" series, jointly organized by Hope Chinese School, American Chinese School, and Howard Chinese School, and co-organized by the Chinatown Community Cultural Center.

Artist and instructor Zhang Longze said the program aims to "help teenagers understand China better" and to "strengthen the bridge of friendship". He added that more cultural exchange activities for schools are planned in the future.

For students Drake Hozier and Evan Dearden, both about a year and a half into their Chinese studies, the language offers a unique challenge. "I wanted to do it because I like trying new things," Hozier said. Dearden added, "All the other language choices seemed kind of basic compared to Chinese. I'm really enjoying the language, the culture, and especially the food."

Both hope to visit China one day. "I definitely want to see the history behind all of it," said Hozier. Dearden said the language program and events like this have given him a sense of "a strong culture" and a new appreciation for learning.

For Lily Jiang, who has studied Chinese for nine years and traveled to China with her family, the connection runs deeper. "I love the culture and the people—they're really fun to be around," she said. "Going to different markets was a nice experience, and I got to practice my Chinese there, too."

Leonardtown's lead Chinese teacher, Chen Si, said she was delighted to see her students engaging enthusiastically. "The kids really like doing crafts," she said. "They also have the opportunity to see all kinds of Chinese art and handicrafts, so I feel it's very meaningful."

Now in her eighth year at the school, Chen said her greatest satisfaction comes from watching students progress from middle school to graduation. "They are very interested in Chinese culture and language," she said.

Chen added that cultural exchanges and study trips help students gain a more authentic understanding of China. "Because they're exposed to Chinese culture from a young age, they get to understand a China that is different from what others might say," she said. "They experience it and learn for themselves."

She said those who travel to China "understand the country better" and become "more tolerant and understanding of these differences."