In June 2026, 16 Stanford students embarked on a two-week immersive journey across China, exploring the country's dynamic economy, rich cultural heritage, and evolving role in global affairs. Traveling through six cities in three regions and participating in more than a dozen in-depth site visits, students gained firsthand insights into China's technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, international relations, and cultural traditions.
The program featured factory tours and executive discussions at leading organizations including Ant Finance, New Hope Group, Xiaomi, Longking, Galbot, and the U.S. Embassy, providing students with direct exposure to China's business ecosystem and policy landscape. At Fudan University and Tsinghua University, students attended faculty lectures, toured cutting-edge research laboratories, and engaged with local students through academic and cultural exchange.
Beyond the classroom and corporate visits, students experienced China's cultural heritage through hands-on activities such as celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival, making zongzi, exploring historic water towns, and wearing traditional Chinese attire. Together, these experiences offered students a nuanced understanding of China's history, society, and contemporary development.