On the morning of May 19, the opening ceremony of the“Embracing China – Study and Exchange Program for Italian University Students”was held at China Jiliang University. A total of 80 Italian students gathered to embark on a 10-day journey of cultural exploration. The event was attended by Vice President of China Jiliang University, Professor Wang Binrui, Director of the International Office of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education, Ms. Lan Jingjing, and other distinguished guests who delivered opening remarks.
In his speech, Vice President Wang Binrui extended a warm welcome to the Italian students on behalf of the university. He noted the longstanding history of educational exchange between China and Italy. Over 700 years ago, Italian traveler Marco Polo journeyed east along the ancient Silk Road, fostering a brilliant encounter of Eastern and Western civilizations. Today, we continue to build a “Silk Road of Knowledge” in the new era, with education as the bridge and culture as the vessel. This program offers Italian youth an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insights into Chinese history, culture, and technological advancements, and to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the young generations of both countries.
Ms. Lan Jingjing, Director of the Division of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education, highlighted Zhejiang’s commitment to promoting international educational exchange as a province with strong educational resources. She expressed hope that the Italian students would immerse themselves in Chinese culture during this visit and serve as bridges of cultural exchange between China and Italy.
Sofia, a student representative from Italy who has been studying Chinese for six years, expressed her passion for Chinese culture in fluent Mandarin. She shared her excitement about the program, saying that it was a rare learning opportunity and that she and her peers were eager to experience both traditional and modern China, and to engage in meaningful exchanges with Chinese students.
The 10-day program features a rich and diverse itinerary spanning culture, education, and science. The Italian students will “Step into Jiliang” by visiting the China Jiliang University Museum and the affiliated Qiyuan School. They will join “Chinese Culture Classes” to learn Chinese language, calligraphy, martial arts, and intangible cultural heritage crafts. Together with Chinese students, they will take part in a fun sports meet and the university’s International Culture Festival. Their cultural immersion will also include visits to the Grand Canal Museum, Gongchen Bridge, and the China National Tea Museum, where they will experience Song Dynasty-style tea preparation and enjoy the renowned Ten Scenes of West Lake. In addition, students will tour Ingersoll Mould Manufacturing (China) and the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center to learn about China’s industrial development and international cooperation.
This study tour not only provides Italian students with a first-hand experience of China, but also injects new vitality into youth exchanges between China and Italy. Over the next 10 days, students from both countries will deepen mutual understanding through interaction and jointly write a new chapter of friendship.
