Barely two weeks after finishing my finals at York, and before I could even process leaving student life behind, I landed in China. Three months earlier, I had hastily submitted an application to the University’s ‘Study Tour China programme 2026’ with the Global Opportuntities team. Now, with graduation behind me, I look back on an unforgettable two weeks spent in Shanghai and Chengdu.
A warm welcome
The Study Tour China was a graciously hosted, whirlwind tour of two major Chinese universities: East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) in Shanghai; and Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu. I’m sure that many of my fellow York students on the trip would agree that we felt more like ‘delegates’ than ‘students’. Throughout the trip we were treated to spectacles that far exceeded my expectations. These included a fabulous opening ceremony in Shanghai, plus evenings filled with feasts and photo-opportunities that made us feel like celebrities. Both universities made distinct efforts within their specialised field to go beyond just lectures.
To me, this trip was the perfect ending to four years at univerisity; a really awe-inspiring experience in my last months as a student. Yet, I was intrigued to discover that many of the other students on the trip were in their first or second year at York. Despite this, we had lots in common. We were studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics, we didn’t speak any Mandarin, and had never been to China before. Even before we arrived in Shanghai, many of us connected with familiar coursemates, and these friendships flourished throughout.
In Shanghai
In Shanghai, we stayed in a grand hotel not far from the ECUPL campus. Students from the universities of Kent and Southampton joined us for informative lectures on China’s social governance. We had a jam packed schedule from the start. Throughout the week, we were taught topics such as Chinese development, justice systems, representative bodies and the management of China’s megacities. Special tours also supplemented the lectures. This included the opulent buildings of the middle law courts, a sleek body of local representation and a boastfully modern law firm. We were also given free time at the end of each day to exhaust ourselves in the metropolis. Shanghai shocked me both in scale and its immense infrastructure. I found it to be a historically diverse basin of growth and spend.
In Chengdu
In Chengdu, we split from the other UK students and dived into the world of engineering and locomotives. When exploring the Sichuan Province, deep in China’s heartland, I found a new unexpected interest in trains. The things we saw were really inspiring. A 10km length of advanced freight; the tight precision of the metro; and the 300km/hr speed of intercity travel. Despite this not being our usual PPE habitat, we immersed ourselves in the activities. This included train driving simulators, the art of timetabling and an incredible conveyor of train testing experiments. Southwest Jiatong University then filled our day with lectures, experiences and exciting activities. Highlights were: watching giant pandas lazing in the sun; culinary experiments; seeing traditional Chinese theatrics during the Dragon Boat Festival; and touring the ancient irrigation infrastructure of Dujiangyan. These well-curated outings were a welcome treat.
A new experience
My visit to China was my first trip outside of Europe, and the furthest East I have ever ventured. Without such care from the University, it may have felt too far. But both the zealous reception granted by both Chinese universities and the patient care of our York organiser, Vicki, provided the solid ground from which to jump – and the energy to soak it all in. Thanks to those helping, we always felt welcomed by a land and culture that was so different to ours.
I thoroughly recommend York students to venture on similar trips abroad with the University’s Global Opportunities team. It was so much more than a series of lectures. With the excellent support of organisers, I left with what felt a more pragmatic view of travel. I now have a new desire to push each day to its limit.
Leave a Reply