CHICAGO - Students from Muscatine High School in Muscatine, US state of Iowa, received a special gift - a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At a reception here on Tuesday marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-US relations, Chinese Consul General Zhao Jian handed the letter to Jennifer Fridley, principal of Susan Clark Junior High of Muscatine Community School District, in the presence of hundreds from all walks of life in Chicago.

In her speech, Fridley said that the school is honored to be among the first students and educators participating in the 50,000-student exchange program.

"We learned so much about the Chinese rich culture and heritage," Fridley said. "Actually to go there and visit China is something none of us will ever forget."