"I realized now how much time and dedication craftsmen put into mastering skills and passing down these traditions through the ages down to their kids … I'm glad that it's still being taught today and I'm glad I learned it myself," said Bernardus Uitdewilligen, 19.

"This exposure to Chinese culture is important for us to have a greater worldview and connect across boundaries," said John Ellis Famariss, 18.

The delegation also visited Shanxi Agricultural University, where they interacted with Chinese students and were drawn to a Labubu toy brought by Han Lingda, a 21-year-old student from the university. "I didn't expect today's atmosphere to be so warm, and I didn't expect to gain so many new friendships," Han said.