2025 "Study in Chongqing, Discover China" Study Tour Program Concludes at Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering

On October 21st, 2025, the 2025 "Study in Chongqing, Discover China" Study Tour Program—a signature education initiative under the New Western Land-Sea Trade Corridor—concluded successfully at Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering (CQVIE). During the two-week program, teachers and students from several Thai institutions—including Chonburi Institute of Business Administration and Technology and Sarasas Witaed Klongluang School—engaged in a cross-cultural "dialogue of civilizations" through two themed study modules: "Industrial Internet + Ba-Yu Cultural Exploration" and "Industrial Internet + Chongqing Arts and Culture."

Zhou Youwen, Vice President of Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering, stated that the 2025 "Study in Chongqing, Discover China" Study Tour Program is a flagship international cultural exchange brand developed by Chongqing, featuring a comprehensive and multi-dimensional study system under the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. Leveraging the institute's specialized training resources in study tour management and services, as well as interdisciplinary faculty expertise in art and design disciplines, CQVIE has designed a series of customized courses. These include basic Chinese language learning, architectural art research, intangible cultural heritage experience, and cultural investigations into Ba-Yu traditions. Through an "immersive experience + practical learning" model, the program offers Thai teachers and students a holistic opportunity to appreciate the charm of China.

A teacher guides Thai students in class

Photo provided by Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering

During the study tour, Thai teachers and students explored various landmarks across the mountainous city. In the professional training base of Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering, Thai teachers and students observed applications of Industrial Internet technology, appreciated ancient Chinese architecture and garden arts, learned about Shaanxi Opera, and experienced traditional Chinese pottery making. In Hongyadong and Ciqikou Ancient Town, they witnessed the fascinating blend of traditional streetscapes and Chongqing's stunning "8D magical metropolis" cityscape. At Chongqing Guotai Art Center, the participants, guided by architecture faculty, studied how the building integrates the form of Ba-Yu traditional "stilted houses" with modern artistic space design.

Thai teachers and students display their Chinese calligraphy works

Photo provided by Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering

For Thai students, the cultural immersion brought many delightful surprises. Prasert Jariya, from Chonburi Institute of Business Administration and Technology, carefully recorded in his study journal the Chinese characters he learned, famous excerpts from Shaanxi Opera, and even the ingredients list of Chongqing hotpot. Through the industry-education integration courses, Kannika Samang, a Thai university student, discovered innovative ways of combining Industrial Internet technology with artistic creation, which provided her with fresh insights into cross-disciplinary learning. At the closing ceremony, Isariya Uthai proudly presented a hand-painted Sichuan Opera mask fan and shared her idea: "The red mask represents loyalty and righteousness—just like the brave warrior figures in Thailand's traditional masks."

"We will continue to refine our study tour system and develop new models of interdisciplinary programs," said Zhou Youwen, Vice President of CQVIE. He added that the school has developed a study tour curriculum map covering multiple intangible cultural heritage workshops and professional training bases. Looking ahead, the program will extend to more countries along the New Western Land-Sea Trade Corridor, aiming to make "Study in Chongqing, Discover China" a replicable model for international educational exchange and study tours.