From May 15 to 21, students and faculty from Dominican University participated in a technology and cultural exchange program at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) in Shanghai. The program provided participants with opportunities to engage with Chinese culture, academic life, and technological innovation through immersive learning experiences.

    During their visit, the delegation participated in a range of activities aimed at introducing participants to both traditional and contemporary aspects of Chinese society. One cultural highlight was a Baduanjin workshop, where participants learned this traditional wellness practice through guided instruction. Through movement and breathing exercises, participants experienced the principles of balance and mind-body coordination that are central to traditional Chinese culture.

    The delegation also took part in a hand-painted silk fan workshop, where participants created their own designs while exploring traditional Chinese artistic practices through hands-on activities. The workshop offered participants an opportunity to engage with traditional craftsmanship while expressing their creativity.

    Academic programming was designed to connect cultural learning with contemporary technological development. At the Shanghai Museum, participants explored historical exhibitions while learning how digital technologies are being used in cultural heritage preservation, including interactive exhibitions and digital reconstruction projects. Additional academic sessions hosted by ECUST introduced participants to topics including artificial intelligence and biotechnology, providing opportunities to engage with current developments in science and technology.

    Beyond the classroom, participants explored Shanghai through visits to several of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Bund and the City God Temple, experiencing firsthand the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes the city. The program also included a cultural excursion to Hangzhou, where participants visited West Lake and experienced the natural landscapes and cultural traditions associated with the Jiangnan region.

    The exchange program provided participants with opportunities for academic engagement, cultural exploration, and cross-cultural dialogue while strengthening institutional connections between the two universities. Through experiences both inside and outside the classroom, students and faculty gained firsthand perspectives on contemporary China while developing a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural learning and exchange.