The opening ceremony of Tongji Sino-Italian Summer School 2025 was held at the YunChou Building of Tongji University. Over 80 teachers and students from the Confucius Institutes at the University of Florence, University of Padua, and University of Naples L'Orientale, along with six high schools from Arezzo, Padua, and Naples participated in the event. Representatives from the Foreign Affairs Office, International Students Office, International School and Sino-Italian Campus of Tongji University were also present at the opening ceremony.

Under the guidance of the Foreign Affairs Office and International Students Office of Tongji University, the Sino-Italian Campus of Tongji University and the Confucius Institute at the University of Florence co-host  the "Marco Polo 2.0" Summer School. This program, themed "A Cross-Cultural journey to Explore Chinese Culture, Education and Technology" offers a 14-day academic and cultural journey in Shanghai and Chengdu. Aimed at Italian students currently studying Chinese language and culture in Italy, the program integrates the educational and cultural resources of Tongji University's cooperation with Italy and offers four major modules: "Exploring Tongji University," "Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture," "Insights into Chinese Society," and "Youth Engagement and Interaction".

A highlight moment of the opening ceremony was the collaborative painting of the camp flag by Chinese and Italian teachers and students, marking the official launch of the event and the start of an exciting and colorful journey for the summer school.

Prof. Qu Chen, the Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office at Tongji University, quoted the Chinese famous saying, "Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles," emphasizing that true knowledge is gained through both learning and experience. He expressed his hope that all students, starting their journey from Tongji, would follow the historical footprints of China-Italy friendship in Shanghai, and experience an authentic, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive modern China. He encouraged them to become the new generation of ambassadors for China-Italy exchanges and bridge a bright future for both countries.

Mr. Francesco D’Arelli, Representative of the Consulate General of the Republic of Italy in Shanghai, delivered a video message expressing his gratitude to Tongji University for organizing the whole event. He stated that China and Italy have engaged in dialogue since ancient times, sharing ideas, intellectual achievements, and technologies. Noting that Shanghai is a city that reflects the vision of the future and Tongji University is one of the most prestigious universities in China, he encouraged the Italian youth to witness firsthand the vibrant modern China, and to embrace the opportunity and capability to help shape a future of mutual understanding and shared knowledge between the two countries.

Mr. Pezzano Jacopo and Ms. ZHOU Zixuan, as teacher representatives from high school and Confucius Institute in Italy, emphasized students' pivotal role as cultural ambassadors, encouraging them to appreciate both Italian and Chinese cultures with respect and openness.

Student representatives Mr. Francesco Venosti and Ms. Giorgia Veronese from the Confucius Institute at the University of Padua impressed everyone by delivering their speeches in fluent Chinese. Sharing their longstanding passion for Chinese language and culture, they expressed enthusiasm for immersive cultural engagement in China. Both students also extended their gratitude for connecting with like-minded peers from across Italy and emphasized their eagerness to engage in meaningful cultural exchange while enjoying the process of communicating in Chinese.

The history of Italians in Shanghai dates back to the 17th century, and Tongji's collaboration with Italy has spanned over two decades. During this immersive 14-day journey, all participants will explore Tongji University’s campus, visit various schools and research laboratories, and engage in exchanges with students at Tongji-affiliated high schools. They will also take part in the Sino-Italian Youth Joint Workshop on Sustainable Creativity — an opportunity to foster cross-cultural friendships and collaboration.

This program also offers hands-on experiences in Chinese language and traditional culture, including Taiji, martial arts, bamboo weaving, and fan calligraphy, allowing students to experience the richness and depth of Chinese heritage. Cultural excursions include visits to historical and cultural landmarks in Shanghai and Chengdu, such as the Tushanwan Museum, the former residence of Xu Guangqi, the Ba Jin Museum, and the Panda base. Participants will also visit Italian and Chinese enterprises, including the Consinee Group and the Sichuan Airlines base, to gain firsthand insight into China's modernization and the growing opportunities for international cooperation.

This group of Italian students is one of the largest student exchange delegations from Italy to China in recent years. Supported by the Sino-Italian Campus of Tongji University, this program aims to introduce Italian youth to China’s rich cultural heritage and its achievements in education and innovation, while fostering meaningful connections between youth from both countries and promoting study opportunities at Tongji University and throughout China – ultimately cultivating deeper cross-cultural understanding and strengthening international collaboration.