In April, Xi’an was blessed with a pleasant spring and clear skies. To deepen Chinese-British educational exchange and promote cultural mutual learning, QMES successfully held the 2025 Student Ambassador Exchange Program from April 19 to April 25, 2025. During this period, QMES warmly hosted six students from the School of Engineering and Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Through cultural exchange as a bridge and intellectual engagement as a bond, both QMES and QMUL students embarked on an enriching journey to enhance international understanding and strengthen friendships and cooperation.
Academic Exchange, Opening a New Chapter Together
On the morning of April 21st, the opening ceremony of the event was held grandly at QMES. The event coordinator, Li Wang, delivered a warm and enthusiastic speech, extending a heartfelt welcome to the students from the United Kingdom who had traveled a long way to attend. Cheng Yin, Vice Dean of QMES, stated that the purpose of this exchange was to provide an open and inclusive platform for participants, hoping that the student ambassadors would fully experience the unique charm of China’s long-standing historical and cultural heritage. Following this, Fan Xiaoli, Dean of QMES, engaged in a discussion with the students, expressing the hope that this event would foster mutual understanding and strengthen friendships between the students of both sides. After the opening ceremony, the students from both sides enjoyed a relaxing and pleasant tea break, followed by a visit to the Museum of NPU History, where they jointly reviewed the splendid history and remarkable achievements of NPU.
Inheritance of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mastery of Craftsmanship
Over the following week, the NPU Engineering Training Centre curated a series of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage experience activities for the students. These activities included the silver-based enamelware firing, the heat-shrink art pieces and traditional silver-inlaid woodwork crafts making. Through hands-on practice, both Chinese and British students not only experienced the allure of Chinese traditional culture but also forged deep friendships through mutual collaboration. These meticulously crafted works of art serve as a tangible testament to the fusion of cultures.
Exploring the Ancient Capital, Resonating with Culture
In addition to the rich on-campus cultural experiences, QMES has specially curated an immersive journey for students to explore the culture of Xi’an. Student ambassadors, alongside QMES volunteers, set foot on the land of this millennium-old capital. From the globally renowned Terracotta Army to the bell and drum towers, from the vibrant Muslim Quarter to the solemn Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and from the dazzling lights of the Tang Dynasty Nightless City to the ancient city walls, every historical site became a vivid classroom for cultural dialogue between Chinese and international youth. During the cycling activity on the ancient city wall, volunteers and student ambassadors cycled side by side, with the weathered walls of the thirteen dynasties transforming into a vibrant young racetrack. The historical context engraved in the bricks and stones was subtly narrated by the breeze that caressed them. British students, strolling along the ancient blue brick roads, were awestruck by the imposing grandeur of the Terracotta Army, captivated by the beauty of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and overwhelmed by the brilliant lights of the Tang Dynasty Nightless City. They expressed that this in-depth cultural experience brought the millennia-old Chinese civilisation to life, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Academic Exploration, Building the Future Together
To promote cross-cultural academic exchange, QMES has specifically arranged for student ambassadors to participate in QMES classroom learning. During professional courses, Chinese and British students sat side by side, engaging in joint discussions and exchanging ideas and insights. They also observed laboratory sessions and courses on traditional Chinese opera, such as Peking Opera. Through academic discussions as a link and cultural experiences as a bridge, young students from China and the UK demonstrated their unwavering pursuit of knowledge and their inclusive attitude towards diverse cultures. This allowed academic ideas from different educational backgrounds to interact and generate new sparks of innovation.
A Grand Sporting Event, Joining Together in Celebration
On the morning of April 25th, student ambassadors gathered at the sports field, greeted by the morning sun, to partake in a unique and vibrant campus sporting event. At the opening ceremony, colourful flags fluttered in the breeze, and the sound of drums echoed powerfully. Chinese and international students sat side by side, sharing in a visual feast that seamlessly blended the spirit of competition with cultural allure. Through sport as a link, a bridge of mutual understanding was built, as the cheers and applause captured a beautiful moment of unity between students from both nations.
As the week-long student ambassadors programme drew to a close, both Chinese and British students expressed that they had gained a lot. They not only inspired each other academically, but also embraced each other’s cultures and drew closer in spirit. This exchange not only fostered academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and spiritual connection but also provided a platform for further dialogue between the students of both institutions, strengthening the foundation of cooperation between the two universities. It is believed that, in the future, this friendship that transcends mountains and seas will be as steadfast as the ancient city walls of Xi'an and as evergreen as the pines of the Qinling Mountains.
Text: Meng Jiarong and Qiyue
Photo: Zhou Shihan, Zhang Cheng, Wang Zihuan, Sun Minghong and Xu Sizhe
Editor: Zhang Yuchen and Chen Xinyan
Translator: Shen Xinyi
Reviewer: Cheng Yin
