Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

A COHORT of 25 students from top universities across the United States began their five-day visit to Shenzhen yesterday to gain insights into China’s remarkable progress in higher education and science and technology.

The students, invited by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-United States Exchange Foundation as part of the Sino-U.S. Bridge Program, are visiting China for nearly a month from June 7 to July 6.

The delegation will travel across China, visiting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, to explore top universities and technology companies.

In Shenzhen, the delegation’s itinerary includes visits to Shenzhen University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, as well as various enterprises, institutions, and cultural landmarks.

Liam Rinehart, a graduating senior at the University of Southern California majoring in international relations and global economy, is excited to learn more about China’s financial industry and how it impacts developing economies.

“For me, what’s been really interesting is seeing and hearing the story of Shenzhen and how, just in 40 years, so much has changed and so many people have moved in. And some of the buildings are just huge and beautiful,” said Rinehart during a visit to Shenzhen University yesterday afternoon.

Rinehart also emphasized that the U.S. and China both value equipping young people with the necessary tools to make significant global improvements. He believes that student exchanges play a crucial role in fostering understanding and collaboration between the two countries.

“I think it’s different when you hear about a country versus when you meet people from the country. By meeting people, you gain a level of admiration and respect, especially when you come to a place like Shenzhen. You realize that people have worked so hard to make all this happen,” Rinehart told Shenzhen Daily.

(Continued on P2)