From March 22–26, 2025, 48 students from top Italian universities—including Polytechnic University of Milan, Sapienza University of Rome, University of the International Studies of Rome, the University of Turin, etc.—traveled to Chengdu, China, as part of the “2025 ‘Zhi-Xing China’ Italian University Students Exchange Program”. The activities were hosted by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and co-organized by Chengdu University of Information Technology (CUIT). Yeah-CHN, the supporting platform for the YES programme, organized the activities and provided professional service for participants as well as the host universities and institutes.
Under China’s initiative to boost the European Young Envoy Scholarship Program (YES), ‘Zhi-Xing China’ marks one of the first youth-focused programs, spotlighting dialogue between Italian and Chinese students across science, technology, and culture.
The week-long program opened with a ceremony attended by university leaders, government officials, as well as local students and faculty. What followed was a vivid blend of academic dialogue, cultural performances, and hands-on exploration that allowed young people from both nations to move beyond classrooms and into a shared, real-world conversation.
At the heart of the exchange was a simple but powerful goal: connection and exchange.
Opening to Build Bridges: Youth Exchange Opening Ceremony
On March 23, the opening ceremony of the “2025 ‘Zhi-Xing China’ Italian University Students Exchange Program(Chengdu Stop)” took place at the International Conference Hall of Chengdu University of Information Technology (CUIT). The event, hosted by the China Education Association for International Exchange and organized by CUIT, brought together 48 Italian university students and over 300 Chinese participants. Attendees included Zhou Lidong, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Cooperation Department of the China Education Association for International Exchange; Wang Lasha, Director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education's Foreign Affairs and Exchange Division; Li Kunjian, Deputy Director of the Europe and Africa Division of the Sichuan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office; CUIT President He Jianxin and Vice President Wu Xi, as well as faculty, staff, and student representatives.
In their remarks, Chinese officials emphasized the deep historical ties and ongoing cultural exchange between China and Italy—from the Silk Road to the Belt and Road. They called on young people to become bridges between civilizations, to embrace diversity with openness and curiosity, and to write new chapters in the story of mutual understanding through dialogue, innovation, and friendship. President He also highlighted the university’s commitment to international cooperation and introduced the program’s theme of “science and culture,” with a range of immersive activities designed to spark cross-cultural learning and discovery.
Student representatives added heartfelt reflections. CUIT student Wang Tianqi described the exchange as a rare chance for exploration, mutual learning, and lasting friendship. Viola De Monte (孟薇兰), a doctoral student in Chinese language and culture from Sapienza University of Rome, reflected on a decade of studying Chinese and the lasting resonance of Silk Road dialogue. She called on her peers to follow in the footsteps of cultural pioneers like Marco Polo, letting curiosity and connection guide their journey.
Minds in Motion: A Seminar on AI Across Disciplines
Following the ceremony, a vibrant seminar unfolded as students from both countries explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world—and their respective fields of study.
Alberto Mazza, a graduate student in biomedical and materials engineering from Politecnico di Milano, discussed AI’s role in accelerating medical innovation. From faster drug discovery to more personalized treatments, he highlighted how machine learning is transforming healthcare with both precision and empathy.
Michela Mangili, studying international communication and cooperation at the University of Bergamo, brought a humanistic lens to the discussion. She reflected on the evolving relationship between AI and language translation—arguing that while AI can process words, only humans can carry the weight of culture. Her message was clear: real communication transcends grammar.
From the world of design, Vittoria Brusadin, an architecture student at Politecnico di Milano, questioned whether AI could truly grasp the conceptual and ethical dimensions of her work. Through her posthuman design project, she showed how AI tools like Midjourney, while visually powerful, often fail to express the emotional and philosophical depth that architecture demands.
Together, these voices wove a portrait of AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity, but as a companion—one that, when guided with care and conscience, can help solve the most pressing issues of our time.
Science in Action: A Visit to the Science and Technology Laboratories
In the afternoon, students visited the leading atmospheric laboratory, museum, and observation site in CUIT, where they experienced tech innovations and saw firsthand how scientific data informs China’s strategies on air quality and climate policy. The tour included demonstrations on carbon emissions modeling and interactive discussions with researchers, sparking new curiosity and potential for technological cooperation.
A Meeting of Minds and Cultures
More than just a forum for academic exchange, the day’s events became a stage for cultural connection. From discussions of nanotechnology to reflections on language and architecture, Chinese and Italian students met not only across disciplines—but across traditions, ways of thinking, and visions for the future.
In a world facing complex global challenges, this gathering showed that innovation flourishes not in isolation, but in collaboration—and that when young people from different cultures come together, they don’t just exchange knowledge. They build bridges.
