Jordan McClain, a 23-year-old California State University Long Beach senior, learns how to make a sachet at Laoshan Academy in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Huynh expressed admiration for the technological sophistication of the port, noting the prevalence of automation, robots, and larger-scale shipping and product orders compared to Long Beach.

Throughout the tour, he engaged in cross-cultural discussions with Chinese and American peers, emphasizing the importance of approaching differences with an open mind.

"I came to China with an open mind, trying to understand from a new perspective as much as possible," said Huynh. Despite acknowledging differences and misconceptions between the young generations of both countries, he highlighted the common ground that unites them.

Huynh encouraged more interactions between young people from China and the US to foster mutual understanding.