Meanwhile, classmate Parris Elijah Michael tried his hand at traditional Chinese drumming after a Sichuan opera face-changing performance, quickly finding a steady rhythm that earned warm applause from the crowd.

"What young people from China and the United States need to know goes far beyond cultural symbols," said UCM teacher Faria Jacqueline Marie. "Though we come from different countries, the younger generation shares concerns over climate change, sustainability and social justice. As educators, we hope such exchanges can continue."