Shared love of pickleball draws young Americans and Chinese together

A group of about 30 American college students are in China this week for a people-to-people exchange program built around pickleball.

Beyond friendly matches with their Chinese peers, they're also exploring some of the country's historic landmarks, technology hubs and urban renewal projects.

The visit comes as China has pledged to invite 100,000 young Americans to China for exchanges and study over the next five years.

The program is jointly organized by China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE), the Arts Chinese Students and Scholars Association (ART CSSA), and other relevant organizations.

The International Youth Partnership Program, an initiative of the Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology in China, is a key component of the event and is jointly advanced by the Foundation and ART CSSA.

CGTN follows their journey to see how a shared love of sport is bringing young people from the two countries closer together.