As the heat of July faded into the warmth of late summer, the three-week 2026 Summer Chinese Language and Chinese Culture Programme hosted by the College of International Cultural Exchange at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) came to a successful close on 17 July. The camera captured the shared moments in the classroom between teachers and students, the non-stop exploration of the city, and the rich variety of cultural activities... This journey, filled with new knowledge and heartfelt connections, has become a precious memory for students from around the world as they engaged with the Chinese language and gained a deeper understanding of China.
Tailored Chinese Language Instruction to Build a Bridge of Intercivilisational Understanding
The intensive Chinese language courses of the summer programme adopted a tiered teaching approach, scientifically grouping students according to their proficiency levels. Based on the varying abilities within each level, appropriately tailored content was provided to systematically address linguistic gaps. Teachers adapted their instruction to match the learning pace and comprehension levels of students from diverse backgrounds, focusing on core areas such as spoken communication and the use of common phrases. Over the three weeks of dedicated study, international students gradually overcame language barriers, achieving a step-by-step improvement in overall Chinese proficiency. Through language, a foundation for equal dialogue and deep mutual understanding among young people from different countries was built.
SUFE
Visiting Local Enterprises to Experience the Pulse of Digital China
Throughout the three-week summer programme, students visited three leading enterprises — Lenovo, miHoYo, and Meituan — to understand the innovative forces driving contemporary China through real-world industry settings.
At the Lenovo Shanghai Future Centre, students immersed themselves in interactive large screens and intelligent driving simulators, experiencing first-hand the application scenarios of technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and gaining an intuitive sense of the digital transformation achievements of Chinese enterprises. Enterprise teams shared insights on their global strategies and smart innovation practices. Teachers and students engaged in in-depth discussions on the digital economy and corporate management, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and industrial reality, and enriching cross-cultural academic thinking with practical perspectives.
At miHoYo, traditional Chinese craftworks, trend-driven cultural merchandise, and game models showcased a unique aesthetic inspired by Eastern culture. Staff explained the global dissemination path of Genshin Impact, demonstrated cutting-edge technologies in AI animation and original game development, and outlined the diverse job roles within the gaming industry. International students thereby gained an appreciation of the unique competitiveness of Chinese creative products that integrate technology with traditional culture, as well as the global influence of youth culture trends in China.
At the Meituan Exhibition Centre, real-time big data screens vividly displayed urban consumption patterns, the intelligent dispatch systems of on-demand retail, and the application scenarios of AI algorithms. Cutting-edge technologies such as unmanned delivery devices and intelligent commercial tools were also on display, allowing students to witness firsthand how digital innovations are transforming daily life and empowering various industries. By carrying the warmth of people’s livelihoods through technology and fulfilling social responsibilities through innovation, international students glimpsed the fast-paced yet human-centred development ethos of Chinese internet enterprises.
Strolling Through Wuzhen to Admire the Beauty of the South and Engaging in Hands-on Craftsmanship to Inherit the Essence of Eastern Culture
In Wuzhen, white walls and black tiles nestle by the water, while stone bridges and flowing streams form picturesque scenes. The participants strolled through ancient lanes, feeling the millennia-old elegance of the Jiangnan region embodied in every eave and window, and experiencing the uniquely gentle charm of Jiangnan amidst the lively streets. Here, they came to understand the profound cultural essence rooted in the land and waters of this region.
Stepping into intangible cultural heritage workshops, the participants quietly appreciated the beauty of traditional Eastern craftsmanship. They held bamboo-woven fans, outlining an elegant demeanour through warp and weft; dipped brushes in ink for water marbling, capturing fleeting poetry through flowing pigments; and closely observed Song brocade, glimpsing the exquisite ingenuity of ancient weaving techniques through intricate patterns. Bamboo weaving, water marbling, and Song brocade each have their unique charm—each weave, dye, and stitch represents the crystallisation of craftsmanship passed down through generations. These hands-on, sensory, and creative experiences with intangible cultural heritage broke away from superficial sightseeing, transforming profound cultural heritage into personal, gentle imprints. They left behind an exclusive and refined keepsake from this journey into the East.
Closing Ceremony: Building Bridges with Chinese, Looking Forward to Future Encounters
At the closing ceremony, Vice Dean Rong Jun summarised the achievements of the programme: over the three weeks, the participants had steadily improved their Chinese language proficiency. Visits to Wuzhen’s water town and local enterprises allowed them to observe and reflect independently, forming their own impressions of China. 'If you have a friend afar who knows your heart, distance cannot keep you apart'—though brief, these words carry empathy that transcends borders. He wished the participants to use this encounter as a bond, becoming small bridges for friendly exchanges between their home countries and China, and to continue spreading inclusiveness and understanding.
At the moment of farewell, the Chinese language teachers of each class also reflected on the wonderful summer they had spent with the students. They recounted every joyful or touching moment shared with the students from various countries, and encouraged them to continue their Chinese studies after returning home, to delve deeper into the language and explore the culture. They looked forward to reuniting in the future at SUFE to renew their Eastern bond.
Representatives of the international participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to SUFE for providing the three-week summer camp platform. Activities such as strolling through Wuzhen’s water town, visiting science and innovation enterprises, and experiencing traditional handicrafts gave them unique opportunities for growth. They witnessed firsthand the vibrant energy of China’s industries, reflected along the way, and ultimately arrived at their own answers to 'Why China, Why Shanghai'. Some were fascinated by Chinese cuisine and the vitality of the city, some were determined to pursue further studies in China, and others planned to share detailed accounts of this enriching Shanghai journey with family and friends back home, bringing authentic and vivid stories of China to their communities.
Vice Dean Rong Jun presented the participants with their summer camp completion certificates.
Subsequently, students from various countries expressed their emotions through talent performances, conveying their reluctance and attachment to the unforgettable summer encounter. Thai students took the stage together to perform the gentle and soothing song 'Count on You'. The soft singing of the line 'I’ll be there' conveyed sincere friendship that transcends mountains and seas, a bond that will not waver. Ukrainian students, with thoughtful preparation, devised an exclusive fun quiz centred around Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Test questions about SUFE sparked lively on-site responses, with sweet candy awarded to the top three contestants. Amidst the cheerful and relaxed interactions lay the students’ deep fondness and cherished memories of SUFE.
As the summer rendezvous draws to a close, the long bridge of the Chinese language endures. Three weeks of classroom recitation, industry study tours, explorations in Wuzhen, and refined arts at the fingertips have woven together a heartwarming chapter that transcends borders. Language breaks down barriers, culture connects hearts, hands-on study broadens horizons, strolls through the water town enrich cultural understanding, the companionship of teachers warms the entire journey, and the voices of youth carry the beautiful mutual aspirations of the exchange. May all students take the insights and friendships gained from this journey back to their home countries, continue to engage in exchanges and exploration through the medium of Chinese, and look forward to reuniting at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics for another appointment with Eastern culture.
