Dalian University of Technology (DUT) recently concluded the 2025 "Contemporary China, Romantic Dalian" International Summer Camp, a dynamic two-week program designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and friendship.

From June 30 to July 12, the camp brought together 50 students and faculty from 15 universities across eight countries, including Italy, the UK, Russia, South Korea, and Malaysia. The agenda offered a balanced mix of language immersion, cultural workshops, and insights into China's innovation landscape.

Participants with little to no prior experience dove into practical Mandarin lessons, gaining essential communication skills. The cultural experience extended beyond the classroom through hands-on workshops in traditional arts like calligraphy, paper-cutting, and tea ceremonies, allowing for a tangible connection to Chinese heritage.

A highlight for many was a series of visits to leading local enterprises and research institutes, where they witnessed China's technological advancements in automation and smart city development firsthand.

"The China I've encountered here is far more vivid and three-dimensional than I imagined," shared Giacomo de Gaspari, a student from the University of Bologna. Other participants noted the surprising modernity of Dalian and the efficiency of its industries.

A team of multilingual DUT student volunteers served as cultural guides, facilitating the exchange. "Explaining Chinese culture to the world and seeing it through others' eyes was a journey of rediscovery for me," reflected one volunteer, named Liu Jing.

By blending language, culture, and innovation, the camp successfully created a platform for mutual understanding, leaving participants with broadened horizons and new, lasting international friendships.