The Young Explorer Shanghai and Hangzhou Program, co-organised by the Spot China travel agency and the Shanghai International Studies University, officially starts on April 11th.Â
This program tours Shanghai, China’s largest city and financial center, before moving on to Hangzhou, home of China’s greatest tech companies. Despite their modern economic might and dazzling contemporary skylines, both cities also have an extensive heritage. Hangzhou is famed for its beautiful West Lake and numerous tea villages where some of China’s world-famous tea is grown. Meanwhile, Shanghai is full of 19th and 20th century history, including the waterfront Bund, which is filled with Art Deco buildings. Together, they present an intertwined traditional and modern China.Â
A group of 22 young people and students from several Western countries are participating in the trip.
In Shanghai, they visit many of the city’s traditional cultural landmarks and also experience China’s cutting-edge achievements in technological innovation. Afterwards, the group moved on to Hangzhou to tour the West Lake cultural landscape, visit a Tea Museum, and explore a number of well-known technological companies. Throughout the journey, there will be many unique cultural experiences. From learning Chinese to brewing a pot of Chinese tea, riding shared bicycles to exploring China’s largest city and the world of technological pioneers, Young Explorers will deeply participate in and experience the diversity and inclusiveness of contemporary China.Â
The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for young people from Western countries to visit and experience China. Its core goal is to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Chinese and non-Chinese young people. Through visits and experiences, people from outside of China will be able to understand China’s culture, technology and ecological civilization from a more open and inclusive perspective. Chinese students will serve as leaders on the tour during cultural activities, group outings, and interactive exercises. Providing the opportunity for Chinese and non-Chinese young people to build practical experiences and exchanges.
The tour set off on April 11th and will last for 12 days.Â
On the evening of April 11th, the young explorers were welcomed at the Hongkou Campus of Shanghai International Studies University. The event kicked off with a buffet where tour members, organisers, and volunteers all could get to know each other better. This was followed by the opening ceremony hosted by Professor Yan Yining, Vice Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Written by Liangyi Yu and Jiaying Yu. If you liked this article why not read: Diverse Tourism across China during Qingming
