Coming into China, I carried with me certain assumptions and preconceived notions, many of which are common in the U.S. about the country, its political system, and its people. In America, we often hear broad generalizations about China being a strict Communist state where personal freedoms are limited and daily life is heavily controlled. However, my experience on the ground painted a much more different picture of the way people live in China. During our trip, I found the people in China to be incredibly kind, welcoming, and generous. In particular, our visits to Xi'an and Jilin University were eye-opening. At both institutions, our hosts went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and respected. They organized activities, provided cultural insights, and ensured we always had support and guidance.