A taste test: Chinese & U.S. youth try local snacks in Dali, southwest China

A group of 16 Chinese and American university students, participating in the "Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future" exchange program, visited Xizhou Ancient Town in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province on July 19, 2026.

The program, jointly organized by the China International Communications Group Center for the Americas and the U.S.-based International Student Conferences, aims at boosting people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S. through youth engagement.

Wandering around Xizhou Ancient Town, the youth stepped out of their comfort zones and tried local Dali snacks. The sweet and tender grilled Rushan, or milk fan, a special dairy snack of the Bai people shaped like a folding fan, was a hit with everyone. Meanwhile, the uniquely flavored stuffed tofu drew mixed reviews — some loved it, while others were not quite fond of it. Would you like to give them a try?