Seven Baltimore youth participated in the 2025 Youth Ambassadors Program, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC) and the 45th anniversary of the Maryland-Anhui Province Sister State Committee. From July 15th to August 1st, 2025, the delegation, which also included two teachers and two parent chaperones, traveled to seven cities throughout China, including Xiamen in Fujian Province; Huangshan, Anqing, and Hefei in Anhui Province; Nanjing in Jiangsu Province; and Shanghai.
The Youth Ambassadors Program aims to develop student leadership by providing youth with the opportunity to learn what it means to be an international ambassador of peace and friendship at the local level. This year’s program played a significant role in commemorating the two sister anniversaries by connecting past relations to the future.
The Foreign Affairs Offices of both Xiamen and Anhui hosted the Youth Ambassadors, who presented citations from City of Baltimore and State of Maryland leaders to their Chinese counterparts. This exchange program strengthens the friendship between the two regions and builds connections for the future.
Exploring Xiamen
From July 17–22, Baltimore youth joined Chinese peers for a cultural exchange in Xiamen, known as Ludao (Egret Island). They explored the city’s ecological revival projects, walked scenic coastal trails, and planted “Friendship Trees” to honor U.S.-China ties. Highlights included visits to Xiamen University, tea-drama classes, incense and puppet workshops, and a closing ceremony celebrating newfound friendships.
Exploring Anhui Province
In Anhui, the ambassadors marked the 45th anniversary of Maryland’s sister-state relationship. They climbed the Yellow Mountains, explored Hongcun village, and practiced kung fu and traditional cooking. In Anqing, they attended a Huangmei Opera, learned about the WWII Flying Tigers, and met with Maryland and Anhui officials to exchange proclamations and reflections.
Exploring Nanjing
On the way to Shanghai, the group stopped in Nanjing to visit the Johns Hopkins University Nanjing Center and imagine future study abroad opportunities
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They also toured the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, where solemn exhibits and stories of hope left a lasting impression about peace and cooperation.
Exploring Shanghai
The program concluded in Shanghai, where students partnered with a local school to study arts like porcelain repair, clay design, and Song Dynasty tea rituals. They explored the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Nanjing Road, while also meeting staff at Maryland Center China and the American Chamber of Commerce for a firsthand look at global business ties.
Returning to Maryland
Back home, the ambassadors gathered with families, state officials, and the BXSCC at the Maryland State Capitol. Their reflections and warm welcome back underscored the program’s success in building bridges between Maryland and China.
See the detailed trip report on the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City committee website.
More information about the Youth Ambassadors program.
