Baucus rides camels in Gansu province on April 20, 2016. [Photo/PAS China]

Throughout his travels, Baucus has observed how similar Americans and Chinese are, noting that citizens of both countries basically want the same things – good jobs, schools and healthcare, and a clean environment.

"I have worked on China for a long time, but it's my travels around this vast country that have underscored to me that much more unites our two countries than divides us," Baucus said. "And it's through continued engagement between our leaders, businesspeople, students and tourists that we will build the relationships and understanding so critical to getting the world's most important bilateral relationship right."

While traveling around China, Ambassador Baucus presented flowers at Confucius's tomb in Qufu. He enjoyed a roast lamb meal in Ningxia with business leaders and discussed ways to expand business and investment opportunities in Jiangsu. In Shanxi, Baucus made sliced noodles and promoted clean energy cooperation. He had an unforgettable visit to the ice festival in Harbin, and fondly remembers the warmth and liveliness of the people.