On the morning of July 11, the opening ceremony for the “2024 China Deep Dive Program Xi’an Trip” was held at the Northwest University Museum on Taibai Campus. The event was attended by Zhao Zuoniu, Deputy Chairman of the University’s Council, who delivered a speech. Representatives from the International Cooperation Department and the Publicity Department of Peking University, along with young representatives from American universities and Chinese and international students from relevant majors at Peking University and Northwest University, also participated in the ceremony. The event was hosted by the director of the International Cooperation Office.
In November of last year, President Xi Jinping announced at a joint welcoming banquet for U.S. friendship groups that 50,000 American youth would be invited to China for exchange and study over the next five years. In response to this initiative, Northwest University, in collaboration with Peking University, organized this program, inviting 54 Chinese and international students from 11 prestigious universities, including Peking University, Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, Cornell University, and the University of California-Berkeley, to participate in study and cultural exchange activities in China. The program features expert-led classroom teaching and immersive field study in Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. By effectively combining “Learning” and “Practical Actions,” the program aims to foster cross-cultural communication and friendship among young people from China and the United States, while deepening their understanding of China's socio-economic development and historical culture.
Zhao Zuoniu welcomed the delegation to the university and provided a brief introduction to the university and its achievements in U.S.-China cooperation. He emphasized that for American students visiting China for the first time, the experience of engaging with China through various forms of interaction, learning about China, and understanding China, while building friendships with Chinese and international students, is of great significance. It contributes positively to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and the United States, building bridges of goodwill, and promoting closer ties between the two nations.
Professor Zhao Congcang from the School of Cultural Heritage delivered a keynote lecture titled “Chinese Jade Culture as a National Treasure”. By utilizing abundant images and examples, he explained what constitutes a national treasure and why jade holds such a status in China, providing Chinese and international students with a deeper appreciation of the profound and rich Chinese culture.
During the interactive session, Chinese and international students engaged in in-depth discussions and shared their experiences regarding their studies, cross-cultural exchanges, and their observations and feelings during their time in China.
Before the opening ceremony, participants toured the Northwest University Museum. During their study tour in Shaanxi, they will also deeply explore Tang Dynasty culture and visit technology innovation enterprises.
