Jocelyne Kenne from Cameroon, who is visiting China for the first time, is excited to learn more about China. Now a research associate at the University of Giessen in Germany, Kenne has been working on a range of interdisciplinary topics including migration and China-Africa relations.

"China is one of the most attractive countries. I was quite shocked to see how many Chinese are now in Africa. In Cameroon, we see Chinese doctors, lecturers and shopkeepers who are teaching the Chinese language and culture. That's fascinating," she said.

In particular, Kenne highlighted that China has been playing a critical role in helping African countries develop infrastructure. "We need each other, and the cooperation (between China and Africa) is going deeper and deeper."

Running till Wednesday, the conference aims to promote mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations. It will gather about 500 renowned scholars and experts from home and abroad to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges around a wide range of topics.