The ink painting created by Melanie Medina depicts iconic landscapes around West Lake. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic recently received a special gift — a traditional Chinese ink painting from Melanie Medina, a freshman at Northwestern University in the United States.

Inspired by her visit through a study program targeting US college students launched by the school in Hangzhou — capital of East China's Zhejiang province — Medina captured West Lake's shimmering waves, Leifeng Pagoda's ancient charm and the serenity of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, one of the 10 must-see sites on West Lake.

Melanie Medina donates her work to the school. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

This summer, 93 US students joined the program, many experiencing China for the first time. Medina described Hangzhou as one of the most beautiful cities she had ever seen, expressing her wish to return.

Guided by Wanxiang's teachers, Medina explored Chinese ink art and also admired Hangzhou's green development and advanced technology. Above all, she cherished the friendships formed. "It's easy to make friends here," she said.

Since 2011, nearly 1,600 American students and teachers from top universities have joined Wanxiang's program, learning about clean energy, culture and sustainable living — forging lasting connections between Chinese and American youth.

Students from Northwestern University pose for a group photo during their visit to Hangzhou. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]