From July 13 to 24, Tongji University successfully hosted the 2026 Italia Summer School, a two-week program that brought together more than 30 students and faculty members from seven partner universities in Italy, including the University of Bologna, the University of Florence, and the Polytechnic University of Turin. Through academic lectures, company visits, creative workshops, cultural activities, and field studies, participants experienced campus life at Tongji, gained deeper insights into Chinese culture and contemporary society, and developed a richer understanding of China. The program also injected fresh momentum into future people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in education, science, and technology between Tongji and Italian universities.

A Journey of Vitality and Consensus

Throughout the summer school, Tongji faculty delivered a series of lectures covering a wide range of topics, including Shanghai’s Urbanization and Sustainable Transportation, AI and the Transformations of Future Lifestyle, Contemporary Chinese Society, Economy and Culture, and the World Connected by Shanghai Architect/ure. Through classroom discussions, participants explored the theoretical and practical landscape of contemporary China’s development and its international cooperation.

In the countryside of Songjiang District, students joined the “DESIGN Harvests”  rural innovation workshop. Under the guidance of faculty and students from the College of Design and Innovation, they conducted field research on a local intangible cultural heritage textile museum, a community nursing home, an eco-park, and a food market. Observing new opportunities in China’s rural development from an international perspective, they attempted to respond to complex real-world challenges through design thinking, empowering rural practice and the creation of a better life. Building on the NICE 2035 and Planet projects, participants further explored how design can be used to communicate the value of products and services, contributing to the development of a more resilient social ecosystem.

To dive into the forefront of industrial innovation, the students visited Goneo Group, a leading private innovative enterprise, and Tencent, a top internet company. At Bull’s headquarters in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, students were invited to join the “Bull Global Creative Partner Program.” They learned about its corporate spirit of building industry leadership through dedicated innovation. At the same time, they also shared ideas on supporting Chinese companies’ global expansion from the perspective of young international talent. At Tencent, students listened to a presentation on the latest trends in AI-empowered product development and experienced the vast prospects of large language model applications.

During the cultural experience sessions, students immersed themselves in learning the Chinese language, calligraphy, bamboo boats weaving and kites making, appreciating the craftsmanship of China’s handicrafts. At the Chin Woo Athletic Association, students attended a lecture on martial arts philosophy, practiced the moves of Mizongquan (Lost Track Boxing), and gained insights into the spiritual core of Chinese martial arts. In addition, the students visited Suzhou Gardens and Minghe Ancient Town, experiencing the thousand-year-old charm of the Jiangnan water towns amidst pavilions and towers.

Closing Ceremony: A New Chapter for China–Italy University Cooperation

Representatives from the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, the University of Bergamo, and the University of Trento were invited to attend and deliver speeches at the closing ceremony. They unanimously agreed that the core value of the summer school lay not only in course studies, but also in the mutual understanding and trust established through cross-cultural collaboration. This trip to China allowed faculty and students to deeply appreciate both the differences and integration of Chinese and Italian cultures. The conclusion of the summer school was not an end, but a new starting point for opening friendships and deepening cooperation among universities.

Later, the students presented their project outcomes, focusing on topics such as language and cultural differences, cutting-edge technology experiences, and the relationship between tradition and innovation, sharing what they had learned and thought. Many shared that this study program enhanced their academic knowledge and cross-cultural communication skills, fostering genuine intellectual and emotional resonance. They affirmed that despite the vast distance, they would never forget this unforgettable trip to China. Postcards were filled with their initial expectations and the joy of fulfilling their wishes upon departure, with every line overflowing with a love for Chinese culture, admiration for contemporary China’s social development, and a strong enthusiasm for studying in China.

Faculty representatives from Tongji’s Foreign Affairs Office, the Sino-Italian Campus, and the College of Electronic and Information Engineering also attended the closing ceremony.