Both families wear hanfu, posing for photos to mark their cross-cultural friendship. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
The "Live a Day as a Xiamen Local" Chinese family experience took place on July 18 as part of the Friendships of Xiamen: U.S. Youth Ambassadors in Xiamen 2026, inviting 19 young American students into schools and homes for an immersive taste of authentic Minnan (Southern Fujian) daily life.
Brothers Connor and Everett Nicksic from San Diego, California, joined the experience with their parents, following a day in the life of Chen Zhengxuan, a student from Xiamen No 1 High School. The Nicksic family has a deep love for Chinese culture, and the brothers have been attending Chinese school since first grade.
At the Huihe Stone-Shadow Carving Heritage Base, a national intangible cultural heritage site, they tried stone engraving, lacquer fan painting, and glove puppet shows. Chen also introduced the family to Minnan tea culture.
The Nicksics were amazed by these cultural experiences; the mother, Colette, a Chinese-American, said, "This trip to Xiamen has given us wonderful memories." Later, both families donned hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), adorned their hair with floral headpieces, and held round fans, posing for photos to mark their cross-cultural friendship.
That evening, they also made dumplings together and played the traditional Bobing (Mooncake Dice Game). The Nicksics' father, Mike, said, "The people here are so friendly. We feel truly lucky to have had the chance to visit Xiamen."
China's latest departure tax refund measures will allow overseas visitors to obtain instant refunds across more regions and give them up to 28 days to leave the country, making multi-city trips easier and encouraging longer stays and greater spending.
Uruguay will grant visa-free entry to Chinese citizens.
