A new round of the Development of City and Culture Exchange Program for the year 2024 was launched in Shanghai in April. The exchange programme saw the participation of 40 students from Meng Xiancheng College of East China Normal University, Chongshi College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Fengru College of Beihang University, and Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC) of the University of Macau (UM). It allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s urban culture and explore the city’s unique charm.

During the programme, the students visited various sites including the University History Museum of East China Normal University, Shanghai Museum, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), and Zhujiajiao. Through firsthand experiences and site visits, they gained a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s history and social development, as well as the city’s urban transformation and development trend.

The exchange programme also provided valuable learning and exchange opportunities for the students, enriching their understanding of different urban cultures. The students were deeply impressed by Shanghai’s vibrant and diverse culture and fascinated by its vitality and innovation. Through the visit to COMAC, they gained a direct insight into the development and innovative achievements of China’s aviation industry, and a sense of pride in COMAC’s technological prowess and global influence.

Participating students said that through the exchange programme, they not only enhanced their knowledge of Shanghai’s urban culture but also their critical and innovative thinking skills. The process of interacting and collaborating with students from different regions allowed them to gain more knowledge and experience, and fostered friendships and cooperation among themselves.

Since its inception in 2018, the Development of City and Culture Exchange Program has become a highly anticipated event for students. The inter-university and inter-city cultural exchanges enable students to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural characteristics and development models of different cities in a short period, and provide them with valuable opportunities for learning and growth.