Peking University China Deep Dive Global Young Leaders Program

"Crossing a Thousand Mountains, Emerging from Qin Chuan"
Beijing, Sichuan, Ningxia, Chongqing
In the summer of 2026

The program is scheduled to take an exciting visit to Bejing, Ningxia, Chongqing and Sichuan, witnessing the charm of China's reality in the central and western area of the country.

Click to download the latest program brochure

Route Two

From July 8 to 21, 2024, the Peking University China Deep Dive: Global Youth Leaders embarked on its journey once again.

Forty-four American university youths from Harvard University, the University of Chicago, Cornell University, and the University of California, Berkeley, joined Peking University youths in visiting Beijing, Shaanxi, and Sichuan to witness the changes in China, appreciate its beauty, and forge connections with the country.

Listening to China's Voice
Understanding the Past and Present of China's Story

A series of engaging theoretical courses helped youths gain a rich foundation of "Chinese knowledge", enabling them to better understand the achievements of the economic and social development in western China.

"China's Poverty Alleviation Experience" explained China's path to poverty reduction through examples like the targeted poverty alleviation efforts in "Shibadong Village".

"Global Development" discussed the complexity and resilience of economic and technological relations between China and the U.S. as both countries pursue their own development.

"China's Digitalization" introduced youths to the history of Internet development in China and highlighted prominent companies in the digital technology sector.

"Unity and Unification in Ancient Chinese History" provided insights into the processes of unification and fragmentation in ancient China, as well as the historical trends of national unity.

In Xi'an, a Peking University professor accompanying the group gave a talk titled "The Rise of Central and Western China in an Era of Openness", explaining how China's inland cities are integrating into the country's broader openness through improved transportation infrastructure. Toward the end of the journey, the professor conducted a review lecture, looking back at the heritage and innovation of Xi'an and Chengdu from perspectives such as historical geography, agriculture, and industrial development.

"There are many similarities between China and the United States. Many Peking University youths share similar hobbies, learning methods, and study interests with us. I was pleasantly surprised to find that building connections is so easy."

Observing China's Transformation and
Exploring the Secrets of Technological
Innovation for Development
Explore technological development

In their journey through Sichuan and Shaanxi, from the ancient wisdom of the Dujiangyan irrigation system to modern grain storage, the youths gained deeper insights into the historical and forward-looking aspects of China's social and economic governance.

They experienced firsthand how modern technological innovation drives urban growth and prosperity, embodying Chinese wisdom that benefits the world.

Shudao Group

"Shudao is harder to ascend than the blue sky". The youths visited the Shudao Group's cultural exhibition hall and workers' home in Chengdu, experiencing the transformation of Sichuan's transportation. They witnessed the connection between new infrastructure projects and Sichuan's accelerated integration into China's modernization efforts, capturing the essence of the Shudao culture.

This is our first time visiting a Chinese company, and it's entirely different from what we imagined. We are amazed by Shudao Group's global-scale infrastructure projects!"

At BYD's Caotang Industrial Park, they experienced the campus's "SkyRail" and listened to insights from Peking University alumni, further appreciating the role of technological innovation in Chinese manufacturing.

Xi'an Free Trade Zone and BYD's
Largest New Energy Vehicle Production Facility

Youths toured the Xi'an Port China–Europe Express Train Operations Center and the Xi'an International Trade and Logistics Park, gaining insights into China's high-level opening-up strategy, which continuously supports global and regional economic stability.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Climbing to the Qin Yan Tower, they gazed down at the world's oldest and only remaining dam-free water diversion project still in use. The youths were deeply impressed by the ingenuity of ancient Chinese labor in water management, marveling at the Eastern wisdom of "following nature's path and adapting to natural forces."

LONGi Green Energy

The youths explored the integrated photovoltaic experience zone at LONGi Green Energy's Smart Energy Exhibition Hall, which has photovoltaic curtain walls on the exterior and dark blue solar panels on the roof. They learned how solar energy is maximally utilized to achieve sustainable development considering carbon peak and carbon neutrality—a focal issue for the entire new energy industry. LONGi Green Energy provided a "Chinese solution" for advancing the renewable energy sector.

"Seeing is believing. I used to think that China was economically underdeveloped in certain areas, but this visit made me realize that China is advancing significantly through high-tech industries and new technologies."

LONGi Green Energy

The youths explored the integrated photovoltaic experience zone at LONGi Green Energy's Smart Energy Exhibition Hall, which has photovoltaic curtain walls on the exterior and dark blue solar panels on the roof. They learned how solar energy is maximally utilized to achieve sustainable development considering carbon peak and carbon neutrality—a focal issue for the entire new energy industry. LONGi Green Energy provided a "Chinese solution" for advancing the renewable energy sector.

"Seeing is believing. I used to think that China was economically underdeveloped in certain areas, but this visit made me realize that China is advancing significantly through high-tech industries and new technologies."

LONGi Green Energy

The youths explored the integrated photovoltaic experience zone at LONGi Green Energy's Smart Energy Exhibition Hall, which has photovoltaic curtain walls on the exterior and dark blue solar panels on the roof. They learned how solar energy is maximally utilized to achieve sustainable development considering carbon peak and carbon neutrality—a focal issue for the entire new energy industry. LONGi Green Energy provided a "Chinese solution" for advancing the renewable energy sector.

"Seeing is believing. I used to think that China was economically underdeveloped in certain areas, but this visit made me realize that China is advancing significantly through high-tech industries and new technologies."

LONGi Green Energy

The youths explored the integrated photovoltaic experience zone at LONGi Green Energy's Smart Energy Exhibition Hall, which has photovoltaic curtain walls on the exterior and dark blue solar panels on the roof. They learned how solar energy is maximally utilized to achieve sustainable development considering carbon peak and carbon neutrality—a focal issue for the entire new energy industry. LONGi Green Energy provided a "Chinese solution" for advancing the renewable energy sector.

"Seeing is believing. I used to think that China was economically underdeveloped in certain areas, but this visit made me realize that China is advancing significantly through high-tech industries and new technologies."

LONGi Green Energy

The youths explored the integrated photovoltaic experience zone at LONGi Green Energy's Smart Energy Exhibition Hall, which has photovoltaic curtain walls on the exterior and dark blue solar panels on the roof. They learned how solar energy is maximally utilized to achieve sustainable development considering carbon peak and carbon neutrality—a focal issue for the entire new energy industry. LONGi Green Energy provided a "Chinese solution" for advancing the renewable energy sector.

"Seeing is believing. I used to think that China was economically underdeveloped in certain areas, but this visit made me realize that China is advancing significantly through high-tech industries and new technologies."

LONGi Green Energy

The youths explored the integrated photovoltaic experience zone at LONGi Green Energy's Smart Energy Exhibition Hall, which has photovoltaic curtain walls on the exterior and dark blue solar panels on the roof. They learned how solar energy is maximally utilized to achieve sustainable development considering carbon peak and carbon neutrality—a focal issue for the entire new energy industry. LONGi Green Energy provided a "Chinese solution" for advancing the renewable energy sector.

"Seeing is believing. I used to think that China was economically underdeveloped in certain areas, but this visit made me realize that China is advancing significantly through high-tech industries and new technologies."

Tianfu Granary

Through participating in the themed session "Building the Tianfu Granary, Promoting Rural Revitalization," the youths discussed how China ensures national food security through emerging technologies and innovative strategies while promoting sustainable agriculture and rural revitalization.

Chengdu High-Tech Industrial Development Zone

Chengdu High-Tech Zone showcased the crucial role of technological innovation in improving Sichuan's infrastructure, enhancing the quality and efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and supporting global medical research.

"China's development efforts are not only focused on the eastern region but also on the relatively underdeveloped western areas. I never realized how monumental this task was. It's truly impressive."

Appreciating the Beauty of China and
Witnessing the Charm of Chinese Historical and
Cultural Heritage

The youths visited cultural landmarks such as the Terracotta Army, "Great Tang" Culture and Shopping Street, Sanxingdui Museum, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. They engaged in a cultural dialogue across time and space, experiencing the beauty of China's historical and cultural heritage.

Chinese Jade
Culture

"A gentleman's virtues are likened to jade-warm and gentle, compassionate". As a part of traditional Chinese culture, jade reflects the unique aesthetic sense and moral pursuit of the Chinese people. The study group attended a jade culture session at Northwest University, immersing themselves in the "harmony and unity" that is central to Chinese culture.

Sanxingdui Museum

Artifacts such as the bronze sacred tree, a bronze figure with a tall crown, bronze dragon, and jade cong with tree motifs captivated the youths with their mysterious and unique designs. Sanxingdui is an archaeological site of great historical and cultural significance, serving as important evidence of the diversity and unity within Chinese civilization and representing a significant discovery in the global archaeological community.

China Conservation and Research
Center for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan Base

Wearing cute panda-themed accessories, the youths learned about China's efforts and achievements in ecological civilization and biodiversity conservation.

Terracotta Army

The youths gained in-depth insights into the archaeological craftsmanship behind the Terracotta Army. Under the guidance of museum staff, they had a hands-on experience in the restoration work of the Terracotta Warriors.

The "Great Tang" Culture and Shopping Street, City Wall
Cycling, and the Face-Changing Show

On the "Great Tang"– themed streets, the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty seemed to come alive. The youths walked through the area in traditional Han attire, immersing themselves in the charm of Tang culture. Cycling leisurely along the Xi'an City Wall, they enjoyed a panoramic view of the city, a blend of historical culture and modern civilization. The legendary "Face-Changing Show" by the Sichuan Opera Troupe from Furong captivated the American youths, who expressed their surprise and delight with rounds of applause. At Qingcheng Mountain High School, the youths also had hands-on experiences with traditional Chinese arts, including the tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Tai Chi.

  • "For me, the most unforgettable part was seeing the iconic elements of China that I had heard about before, like the Terracotta Army, the Forbidden City, and the giant pandas. Finally seeing them in reality, instead of just in textbooks, was amazing."
The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complexes in the world. As a representative of ancient Chinese royal palaces, it embodies the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architecture and is a symbol of the profound cultural heritage of Chinese civilization. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique cultural depth and historical allure.

Visiting the Great Wall gave the youths a profound understanding of the vastness and depth of Chinese civilization, as well as the exchange and mutual influence between Chinese and global cultures.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall, hailed as one of the Eight Wonders of the World, is a monumental feat of ancient Chinese engineering. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws countless tourists worldwide. It is not only a source of pride for China but also a shared cultural heritage of humanity.

From July 5 to 18,2025,

forty American university youths from Harvard University, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Chicago, Cornell University, University of California, University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, University of Minnesota, joined Peking University youths in visiting Beijing, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and this year specifically Ningxia, a place where environmental protection, poverty alleviation, etc. are achieved in an impressive manner.

Listening to China's Voice
Understanding the
Past and Present of China's Story
  • Global Development
    Zha Daojiong
    "Global Development" analyzed US-China progress in global development and explored how both nations are able to redefine their roles in the new technological era through historical projects such as the "Belt and Road" Initiative.
  • The Alleviation of Multidimensional Poverty in China
    Xia Qingjie
    "The Alleviation of Multidimensional Poverty in China" explored the institutional logic behind China's poverty reduction and highlighted the government's role in education, technology and industrial policies. Citing cases such as Hefei's tech cluster, he illustrated the synergy between alleviating poverty and upgrading industries, providing a systematic understanding of the wisdom behind China's rural revitalization that he hoped students would be able to understand during their learning journey.
  • Chinese Politics and Public Policy
    Lei Shaohua
    “Chinese Politics and Public Policy” exposed students to China's governance and decision-making concepts in balancing growth with green transitions through measures such as the high-speed rail and EVs.
  • China's Growth Story
    Fu Jun
    “China's Growth Story” utilized the “Lucas Paradox” to analyse growth through material, institutional and cultural lenses. He explained China’s evolving global role with data, urging students to observe its dynamic practices firsthand to further understand the logic behind its economic development.z
  • Landscape Design and Environmental Protection in China
    Yu Kongjian
    “Landscape Design and Environmental Protection in China” explained China’s approach towards landscape design rooted deeply within the harmony between human and nature. He outlined its evolution from ornamental purposes to ecological restoration. Using Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park as the case study, he demonstrated how “sponge city” concepts integrate sustainability, offering a holistic view of China’s ecological practices.
Observing China's Transformation and Exploring the Secrets of Technological Innovation for Development 
Explore technological development

In their journey through Sichuan and Shaanxi, from the ancient wisdom of the Dujiangyan irrigation system to modern grain storage, the youths gained deeper insights into the historical and forward-looking aspects of China's social and economic governance.

They experienced firsthand how modern technological innovation drives urban growth and prosperity, embodying Chinese wisdom that benefits the world.

iFLYTEK

At iFLYTEK's AI exhibition, the youths were exposed to cutting-edge technology such as real-time multilingual translation and the "Spark" AI model which generates images and presentations. They saw how an AI virtual teacher personalised language lessons, a sign of how China's AI transitioned from lab use to practical, life-changing applications.

Geely Auto

The youths visited Geely Auto's Xi'an Factory, a fully automated "lights-out" facility showcasing China's smart manufacturing. They witnessed robots build cars from raw metal to finished vehicles and were left in awe. They also learnt about its construction, process and gained a vivid understanding of the industrial prowess of China's new energy vehicle industry.

Tianqi Lithium

The delegation visited Tianqi Lithium, a global leader in the new energy materials industry. They learned about lithium's critical role in EVs and energy storage and were exposed to China's growing innovation and influence in the green supply chain.

Appreciating the Beauty of China and
Witnessing the Charm of Chinese Historical and Cultural Heritage
The youths visited cultural landmarks such as the Terracotta Army, "Great Tang" Culture and Shopping Street, Sanxingdui Museum, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall.
They engaged in a cultural dialogue across time and space, experiencing the beauty of China's historical and cultural heritage.
Western Xia Imperial Tombs National Archaeological Site Park

At the Western Xia Imperial Tombs site, the students explored the dynasty's history and viewed the iconic pyramid-like mausoleums, enhancing their understanding of its place in China's diverse civilisation.

Guanzhong Folk Art Museum

The delegation visited the Guanzhong Folk Museum and were exposed to traditional culture through the calligraphy and stone rubbing experience. They exchanged knowledge of Chinese characters amidst its quaint architecture, fully immersing themselves in a lively cross-cultural exchange.

China Tibetan Tea Museum

  • At the China Tibetan Tea Museum, the youths explored its ancient tangible cultural heritage and learnt of the history and craft within Tibetan-Han cultural fusion.

  • Through observing the art of tea-making and tasting various brews, the appreciation for the diversity of Chinese tea culture was deepened.

The delegation visited Ya'an Yuehua Tea Factory, embarking on a tour of their production line, tea-making process and a journey of the historic role tea played on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road.

Yuehua Tea Factory, Ya'an

The youths had a fulfilling and enjoyable dialogue over a unique tea-infused lunch and gained a deeper understanding of the factory's modern transformation through branding.

Tongxin Country Red Army's Westward Expedition Memorial Hall
The Red Army's Westward Expedition Memorial Hall at Tongxin County vividly recounted the army's struggles and commemorated the founding of China's first minority autonomous government.

The youths gained deep insights into Ningxia's profound revolutionary heritage and contributions through the perseverance and support of the locals.

Roots of Prosperity:
China's Road to Rural Revitalization and Poverty Eradication

Students were presented with China's comprehensive approach to rural development, featuring grassroots initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and community-led projects.

Through interactive displays and real-life success stories, they were given the chance to explore the strategies and efforts driving effective poverty alleviation and vibrant rural transformation across the country.

Minning Town

At the Minning Town Exhibition Center, the delegation learnt of the town's development through east-west poverty alleviation collaboration. Later, at the Heming E-commerce Workshop, they gained a deeper understanding of the effect of online platforms towards rural revitalisation. Through sampling local specialities and observing the packaging and order process up close, they learnt how the dynamic infusion of technology and industry spurred local economic growth.

Zhongning County goji berry industry

The delegation visited Xizan, a leading goji berry enterprise in Ningxia where the youths had an enjoyable time picking ripe, glossy berries in the vast fields and touring its highly automated processing facility. Having a firsthand taste of the fresh berries and seeing the efficient production deepened their appreciation for the industry's scale, technology and cultural integration.

Zhihui Yuanshi Winery

The youths learned how the Helan Mountains' east foothills created a prime wine region through its natural blockage of harsh northern winds at the Zhihui Yuanshi Winery. They tasted unique blends such as jasmine tea-infused wine and had a fruitful time learning about the innovative yet traditional development model of Ningxia's flourishing wine industry.

Embarking on
a Sustainable Journey towards a green future

The learning trips to green factories, eco-parks, and new energy bases showcased China's concrete actions in clean production and ecological conservation. Through firsthand observation of green technologies and sustainable practices, the youths felt the determination and wisdom behind China's path of green development.

Desert Camp Exchange Program

This further accentuated Ningxia's success at over 20 million acres of reclamation and China's success at a historical "green retreat".

The youths journeyed into the Tengger Desert to witness Ningxia's desert control efforts firsthand. They met with local workers and learned about the struggles against desertification that Ningxia and its people have long faced.

The iconic "straw checkerboard" grids stabilising the dunes left an inedible impression on their minds. Some of the students tried their hand in laying grids and plating vegetation, placing themselves through the arduous work that Ningxia's people have been going at.

Large-Scale Photovoltaic Base Shapotou Nature Reserve

At Longyuan Power Photovoltaic base in the Tengger Desert, the youths saw how China converted a "sand-gobi-wasteland" into a smart, large-scale clean energy system.

Later at Shapotou Scenic Area, they were exposed to desert tourism and learnt about the area's "desert control + tourism" integration.Through these two sites, the youths had a close-up view of Ningxia's practical innovations in renewable energy, efforts in ecological protection and green economic transformation.

Illustrating a Tapestry of Global Partnership

The network of cross-border collaboration showcased shared projects in green energy, smart infrastructure and cultural exchange. Through dialogues and group activities, participants witnessed how mutual goals – from sustainable development to technological synergy – created a resilient fabric of international cooperation and friendship.

Jianchuan Museum Cluster

The delegation visited the Jianchuan Museum Cluster, focusing mainly on the Flying Tigers Museum.

Through previous archives and artifacts, the youths revisited a shared WWII history and in the process, gained a more profound appreciation for the camaraderie forged and strengthened between the Chinese and American soldiers.

Discovering the Vitality of Digital Sports
The E-sports training center portrayed the energy of digital competition through professional arenas to interactive tech, providing the delegation with deeper insights to how digital sports blend athleticism, technology and culture.
All Gamers (AG)

Students gained meaningful insights into China's esports industry and experienced firsthand how "new quality productive forces" drove cultural innovation. The team had the chance to visit training centers and exhibition areas and were exposed to the esports industry's professionalism and vibrant ecosystem. At the end of the visit, All Gamers expressed their future hopes for US-China youth exchanges in this dynamic field.