A delegation of about 30 teachers and students from the University of Chicago paid an 8-day visit to China, with their final stop in Shanghai. After getting to know the country in person, they emphasized the need to boost people-to-people ties between two counties to enhance cultural understanding.

The group, hailing from diverse backgrounds spanning the United States, Turkiye, Pakistan and beyond, embarked on this trip driven by a curiosity to understand China's policymaking, sustainable development, education reforms and the realities of daily life.

The students claimed that the visit provided them with firsthand insights into the lives and development of China, answering many of their questions about the country. They engaged in dialogues with local people's congress deputies in Shanghai, fostering a deeper comprehension of China's lawmaking mechanisms and learning how the wisdom of ordinary people is reflected in the country's laws.

"Our perception about China has been totally changed," said Wagar Abbas, a Pakistani student pursuing a master's degree in Public Policy with a specialization in Fiscal and Economic Policy. "We believe that China has a lot for us to learn from. When we met with officials from the Chinese government and ordinary people, we feel that the Chinese economy and its people are opening up."

Abbas continued, "I want my kids to come and study in China. We will be ambassadors of China from here onward. And we believe that this will be the next big thing in the coming decade."

Tinevimbo Ndhlovu, an American second-year public policy student at the University of Chicago with a policy interest in environment, immigration and healthcare, echoed similar sentiments. "I've always had ideas of what I think China might be like. However, I think one important thing is that it's one thing to hear and to think something, and it's another thing to actually go to the country and have your own first-hand experience."

"I think the importance of this event is that we're able to go back and inform people about what we've seen. It's a great way for global cooperation, global networking, and the exchange of ideas for a more prosperous and inviting future," Ndhlovu emphasized the importance of this opportunity.

The students also experienced the convergence of ancient culture with modern design and Sino-foreign integration by visiting the city's landmarks, including the Bund and Yu Garden.

The students agreed that such open and candid cross-cultural dialogues epitomize the essence of their China visit, paving the way toward forging trust, dispelling prejudices and fostering harmonious coexistence within the global community. "This kind of exchange must happen, and the government must bring more exchange programs," said Abbas.