On July 22, 2025, Vermont Daily Chronicle published an article by Consul General Chen Li: “Green is Gold, for a Shared Future”. The full text is as follows:

I just got back from an unforgettable trip to Vermont. I came hoping to learn more and explore ways we might work together, and left with lasting impressions and fresh ideas for collaboration.

From the moment I arrived, the “Green Mountain State” lived up to its name. Rolling green hills, endless forests, and even solar panels scattered across the landscape. It’s clear Vermont takes clean energy seriously. In China we have a saying: “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Both Vermont and China are pushing hard for green growth, and that gives us so much room to dream big together.

I visited a ski resort and I’d never seen anything like it. More than 100 trails! Vermont has about 650,000 residents, yet over 4 million skiers flock here each season. I’m already planning to come back in winter to feel that energy for myself. 

Since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, winter sports have exploded in China. China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved. I would love to see more Vermont resorts bring their managerial expertise to and tap into the Chinese market, and I can’t wait for more Chinese skiers to discover and fall in love with Vermont’s trails—and probably its hot cocoa too.

I also explored the State House, City Hall, maple farms, and wandered through local streets. I learned Vermont is looking to grow in areas like housing, rail upgrades, and EV infrastructure, areas where Chinese companies may have something to share and contribute. And then there’s maple syrup! It’s still pretty new back in China. I tried it for the first time in Vermont, along with maple ice cream, and wow, it was amazing. I can’t help thinking: if more Vermont maple syrup makes it to China, people are going to love it.

But what really stayed with me was the kindness I felt everywhere in Vermont. Maybe because there aren’t many Asian faces around, people often went out of their way to smile, say hello, and ask if we needed help. The genuine hospitality made me, as a foreign visitor, feel safe, welcome and genuinely cared for.

Before I left, I stopped by Lake Champlain—the “sixth Great Lake.” Looking over the water, I pictured a future where Vermont maple syrup is on more Chinese tables, Chinese skiers are zipping down Vermont slopes, and we’re teaming up for a greener and brighter world. 

Vermont, until next time!