DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake University football team have put in the final preparations for the Drake-China Ambassadors Bowl as the Bulldogs will square off against a Chinese All-Star team on Saturday in Beijing. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m local time and 12 a.m. CDT.

The team left Des Moines Tuesday morning and arrived in China on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Bulldogs began their first full day in China with a morning practice open to the public at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). 

 

First ever D1 football practice on Chinese soil is in the books!#DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/HmAZ9UWmBK

— Drake Football (@DrakeBulldogsFB) May 24, 2018

Had our 1st practice in China. A sentence I never thought I'd ever say #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/nmSg0yBtt4

— Willie Cashmore (@WillieCashmore) May 24, 2018

 
The team was hosted by U.S. ambassador to China and Drake University Law School alumnus Terry Brandstad Thursday evening at the ambassador's residence.

Thank you Ambassador and Mrs. Branstad for hosting all our @DrakeUniversity Bulldogs in China! #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/RQxLRStgzD

— Marty Martin (@drakepresident) May 24, 2018

It was a great night to be a Bulldog. Three different groups represented @DrakeUniversity at the Residence of the Ambassador of China. Special things happen at Drake University. #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/chB3OWH6Xf

— Cole Neary (@cneary40) May 24, 2018

Not everyday you get a picture with the ambassador of China #DUdogsinChina pic.twitter.com/aKstCSrXrz

— Jacob Mury (@JacobMury) May 24, 2018

On Friday, the Bulldogs spent the morning with a tour of the Forbidden City. The team had their final walkthrough before Saturday's game in the afternoon.

The Forbidden City was fun #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/ZBwEtgnlJN

— Patrick (@patcarr154) May 25, 2018

Someone once asked, "If it's the Forbidden City, then how'd you get in?" The answer to this question may be a shock to you all.

It's the front door. #DUDogsinChina pic.twitter.com/QI3RhRTpFo

— Drew Lauer (@DruLauer21) May 25, 2018

Trip to the Forbidden City this morning #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/nAGK10dGiR

— Jordan (@JordanLew68) May 25, 2018

Our @DrakeBulldogsFB team invaded the Forbidden City this morning. Caused quite the stir. #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/4lFXHtW4kO

— Marty Martin (@drakepresident) May 25, 2018

Final walkthrough before GAMEDAY!! #DUDogsInChina pic.twitter.com/NGz9xE3RS4

— Drake Football (@DrakeBulldogsFB) May 25, 2018

Fans can watch the Drake-China Ambassadors Bowl HERE and stay up to date on the team's activities by searching the hashtag #DUDogsinChina on Twitter and Instagram.