On the morning of May 23, a delegation led by Dr. LIU Xin, British Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Central Lancashire, visited the Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication for a thematic exchange with Professor ZHANG Li and student representatives. The event created a platform for face-to-face dialogue between young people from China and the United Kingdom, further promoting mutual learning in higher education and deeper integration in people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

A group photo with the delegation from the Confucius Institute at the University of Central Lancashire.

Dr. LIU Xin noted that the delegation’s visit to China was designed to bring young people from overseas closer to the country, enabling them to experience China first-hand. Through immersive visits and direct dialogue, the exchange sought to deepen genuine understanding and mutual trust among Chinese and international youth, strengthen friendship between young people from China and the UK, and advance people-to-people exchange and educational cooperation between the two countries.

Professor ZHANG Li with Dr. LIU Xin

Professor ZHANG Li extended a warm welcome to the delegation and gave a detailed introduction to the international development of the Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication, including its English-taught programs, overseas practice-based education initiatives, and achievements in international cooperation. Tsinghua faculty and students also responded in detail to questions raised by the visiting students regarding curriculum design, admissions, short-term study visits, university-enterprise cooperation, and joint programs.

The exchange featured lively discussions. British students actively shared their first impressions of China and reflected on their experiences during the visit. Liam, a Sinology student from South Wales, was visiting China for the first time and expressed strong curiosity and appreciation for Chinese culture, customs, and local life. Jonathan said the visit had further strengthened his interest in pursuing advanced studies in China. Several other British students, having studied Chinese through language courses, spoke of their growing interest in the Chinese language and traditional culture, as well as their enthusiasm for cross-border cultural learning and on-site cultural experiences.

The exchange session.

Centered on in-depth dialogue between Chinese and British youth, the event brought together students from the United States, Malaysia, the Chinese Mainland, and Macao, creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere for international exchange. Participants engaged in open discussions on topics including study experiences in China, intercultural communication, and international youth exchange. Through conversations and the sharing of ideas, the students deepened mutual understanding and built a stronger sense of common purpose.

After the discussion session, the delegation toured the Tsinghua campus, gaining a first-hand impression of the university’s rich cultural heritage, rigorous academic atmosphere, and modern educational environment. The delegation also attended the 14th Tsinghua University International Cultural Festival, where they watched cultural performances and experienced the vibrant multicultural atmosphere of the campus.

The visit represented a meaningful example of people-to-people exchange and academic mutual learning between Chinese and British universities. It provided overseas youth with a comprehensive window into contemporary China, while also creating a valuable platform for Tsinghua faculty and students to connect with high-quality international educational resources and engage in cross-border academic dialogue. The event injected youthful energy into strengthening exchanges between Chinese and British young people and further consolidating the foundation for educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Members of the delegation visit the Tsinghua campus.