International students gather in Ningbo for week of discovery

International students pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the camp. [Photo/Yongpai App]

A week of industrial exploration, cultural experiences, and cross-cultural exchange awaits 127 international students in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, as the 2026 Ningbo International University Students and International Friendship Cities Youth Exchange Camp opened on the evening of Oct 19.

Representing 25 countries and regions across five continents, including Russia, Greece, Malaysia, South Korea, and France, the participants gathered at Ningbo Polytechnic University for the opening ceremony, which featured a multilingual rendition of the song Empty World.

During the weeklong program, the students will visit local companies to explore the city's advanced manufacturing sector firsthand.

They will also tour the Ningbo Urban Exhibition Hall, Tianyi Pavilion Museum and Ningbo Museum of World Heritage Irrigation Structures, while taking part in a range of hands-on activities such as making local rice cakes and experimenting with dam models.

One South Korean student said she hoped the gathering would mark the beginning of lasting friendships and provide a valuable opportunity to better understand China and especially Ningbo. Moroccan student Mo Chuan expressed his eagerness to share stories of Ningbo with people back home.

Launched in 2009, the annual camp has served as a platform for international youth to build friendships, deepen mutual understanding and experience China's development and cultural heritage.