Source: International School
On December 31, 2025, the Chinese and Russian Presidents exchanged New Year greetings and officially designated 2026–2027 as the “China–Russia Years of Education,” outlining a new blueprint and direction for deeper cooperation in education, culture, and scientific research between the two countries. Taking advantage of this favorable opportunity for enhanced educational exchanges, 49 faculty members and students from Yaroslavl State University of Russia visited ZWU for a 15-day short-term study and exchange program.
The program consisted of six major components: academic courses, joint classroom learning, debate and critical thinking activities, corporate visits, cultural excursions, and intangible cultural heritage experiences. It served not only as a vivid example of inter-university people-to-people exchange under the framework of the China–Russia Years of Education, but also as an important initiative by ZWU to build a platform for mutual learning among Chinese and Russian youth and to strengthen friendship between the younger generations of the two countries.
Immersive Classroom Learning Strengthens the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Communication
During their stay, the Russian participants systematically attended courses and lectures on Practical Chinese Language, Traditional Chinese Culture, and China’s Economic Development, gaining firsthand experience of the charm of the Chinese language and culture as well as China’s achievements in the new era.
Chinese language classes focused on practical daily communication skills, helping students quickly acquire basic conversational Chinese. Traditional culture courses explored the spiritual essence and contemporary significance of China’s rich cultural heritage. Lectures on China’s economy employed case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of China’s development model, opening-up policies, and governance practices.
ZWU also organized a “Sharing the Same Classroom” initiative. Russian students attended courses such as Business Etiquette and Culture, International Business Management, Cross-Border E-Commerce Operations, and History and Selected Works of English Literature alongside students from the College of Foreign Languages. Through group discussions and classroom interactions, participants exchanged views on topics including intercultural etiquette, international investment regulations, cross-border e-commerce operations, and literary classics. Russian students shared perspectives from their own cultural backgrounds, while Chinese students actively offered explanations and support. Through intellectual exchange and collaborative learning, both sides broke down cultural barriers and gained deeper mutual understanding, experiencing firsthand the university’s open, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environment.
Friendship Through Debate: Youthful Critical Thinking Sparks Intellectual Exchange
One of the highlights of the program was the China–Russia Friendship English Debate Competition. The debate topic was: “Should cultural symbols retain their original authenticity, or should they be adapted to suit foreign cultural preferences for broader promotion?” Mixed teams composed of Chinese and Russian students competed together.
During the debate, participants demonstrated strong logical reasoning and fluent expression. Approaching the issue from the perspectives of cultural preservation and cross-cultural communication, both sides presented compelling arguments. The affirmative side emphasized cultural authenticity, arguing that cultural symbols embody historical memory and spiritual values and therefore should be presented in their original form. The opposing side stressed practical considerations in communication, contending that moderate localization can reduce barriers to understanding and expand cultural influence.
The free-debate session featured dynamic exchanges and thoughtful rebuttals, showcasing the participants’ language proficiency, analytical skills, and global perspectives. Judges provided professional evaluations on language use, logical structure, and cultural insight, recognizing strengths while offering constructive suggestions for improvement. Using language as a medium and culture as its core, the competition effectively enhanced students’ comprehensive abilities and further deepened cultural understanding and emotional connections between Chinese and Russian youth.
Visiting Innovative Enterprises and Witnessing the Vitality of Chinese Smart Manufacturing
To gain a direct understanding of China’s achievements in modern agriculture, industrial internet technologies, and intelligent manufacturing, the study group visited the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group Modern Agricultural Ecological Industrial Park and the Ningbo Industrial Internet Research Institute.
At the CP Group Modern Agricultural Ecological Industrial Park, participants toured food research and development centers and smart agricultural facilities, learning about the operation of a modern agricultural value chain. They observed advanced technologies such as intelligent temperature control systems, soilless cultivation, deep food processing, and food safety traceability, expressing great admiration for China’s innovative agricultural development and industrial practices.
At the Ningbo Industrial Internet Research Institute, the group explored industrial internet platforms, intelligent manufacturing applications, and core technology development. They learned about breakthroughs in technologies such as Zhongkong Microelectronics’ CMC chips and their industrial applications, gaining firsthand insight into China’s strength in advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.
From smart agriculture to industrial internet technologies, and from food innovation to cutting-edge semiconductor development, these visits provided Russian participants with a comprehensive understanding of China’s dynamic technological progress and industrial upgrading.
Exploring Natural and Cultural Landscapes to Appreciate China’s Rich Heritage
During the program, ZWU organized visits to historical and cultural landmarks, allowing participants to experience both China’s natural beauty and profound cultural heritage. Faculty and students visited sites including the Taizhou Ancient City Wall, Ziyang Street, Ningbo Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall, and Zheng’s Seventeen Rooms, where they explored historic architecture, ancient streets, and local customs.
At Ningbo Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall, participants systematically studied the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), traditional diagnostic techniques, and herbal medicine processing. They also learned about the inspiring story of Nobel laureate Tu Youyou and her discovery of artemisinin. Through hands-on activities such as TCM massage, acupuncture therapy demonstrations, and herbal medicine preparation, students gained a deeper appreciation for the profound wisdom and global significance of Chinese medicine.
Coinciding with China Tourism Day, participants donned specially designed Hanfu attire and toured Zheng’s Seventeen Rooms, a well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural complex. Immersed in Ningbo’s maritime trading history and traditional culture, they completed an unforgettable journey through China’s cultural heritage.
Experiencing Intangible Cultural Heritage and Building Bridges of Friendship
The program also featured dedicated sessions on China’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Russian participants engaged in activities such as mother-of-pearl brooch making, traditional Chinese peony painting, tea pastry crafting, foil painting, bamboo weaving art, and dragon dance performances.
Under the guidance of skilled heritage practitioners, participants carefully learned traditional craftsmanship techniques and completed their own cultural works. Through these activities, they experienced the cultural significance and artisan spirit behind traditional handicrafts, painting, folk cuisine, and creative arts.
During the dragon dance activity, Chinese and Russian students worked together in coordinated teams, moving in rhythm and sharing moments of joy. The experience allowed them to appreciate the unique charm of traditional Chinese folk culture while strengthening teamwork and friendship. Intangible cultural heritage thus became an important bridge connecting the emotions of Chinese and Russian youth and promoting lasting friendship between the two nations.
Deepening Cooperation Under the China–Russia Years of Education
This study and exchange program by faculty and students from Yaroslavl State University represents an important step for our university in seizing the opportunities presented by the China–Russia Years of Education, deepening institutional cooperation, and expanding international exchange initiatives.
Our university has a long-standing and solid partnership with Russian higher education institutions. Since jointly establishing the China–Russia Language and Culture Center with Yaroslavl State University in 2019 and setting up a Chinese Language and Culture Center in Russia, both sides have maintained extensive cooperation in faculty and student exchanges, curriculum development, academic seminars, and study programs, forming a multi-level, broad-based, and sustainable partnership.
Looking ahead, ZWU will continue to use the China–Russia Years of Education as an opportunity to further strengthen educational and cultural cooperation with Russian institutions, create more high-quality international exchange platforms, promote mutual learning and shared growth among Chinese and Russian youth, deepen inter-university friendship, and contribute to the long-term development of China–Russia educational and cultural exchanges.