They left footprints in all 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, taking part in cultural experiences, language learning, academic programs, science and technology exchanges and sports activities, according to China"s Ministry of Education.

　　Meredith Kime, a PhD candidate in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University, who was also aboard the China-U.S. Youth Friendship vessel, said: "I wanted to come on this incredible journey, collaborating with students from the United States and China, enjoying friendship and our shared experience."

　　Kime added that the initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over five years has created a bridge for youths from the two countries to connect, giving real friendships a chance to grow.

　　GROWING MOMENTUM

　　Reaching the goal ahead of schedule reflects young Americans" strong desire to experience China firsthand and the powerful momentum for people-to-people exchanges, said Diao Daming, vice dean of the National Academy of Development and Strategy of Renmin University of China.

　　The initiative is more than a numerical target. It has created a long-term, stable and sustainable platform for youth exchanges between the two countries, said David Chong, founder and president of the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association.

　　Many young Americans who took part in exchange programs have continued to follow developments in China after returning home and some have taken up learning Chinese, while others have continued to promote exchanges between schools, he said.

　　Wang Yijie, founder of Noice China, which organizes trips to China for U.S. students, has noticed the rising enthusiasm among U.S. students for visiting China.