Sept. 11, 2025 – The "Chinese Bridge" program, "Retracing Marco Polo's Journey, Promoting the Spirit of the New Silk Road," successfully concluded at Wenzhou University today. The program, sponsored by China's Center for Language Education and Cooperation, brought together students from Italy's University of Siena and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart for a cultural and linguistic immersion.

The closing ceremony was attended by officials from the College of International Education.

The program moved learning beyond the classroom. The immersive setting enabled students with prior Chinese experience to rapidly advance their proficiency. Interactive sessions covered everything from daily conversation to the history of Chinese characters, all connected to Wenzhou's local culture.

Participants gained hands-on experience with traditional arts like calligraphy, tea ceremony, and paper-cutting. These activities served as a direct window into Chinese philosophy and aesthetics.

Field trips around Wenzhou highlighted the blend of tradition and modernity. Students explored historic sites, ancient villages, and modern urban planning exhibitions, gaining a comprehensive view of regional development.

"The program turned textbook Chinese into a living language for connection," said Tommaso Pizzicori from the University of Siena. "Wenzhou became a real place for me, not just a name."

Sofia Jarach from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart added, "This was more than a language course; it was a bridge between our cultures. The experiences, like hair embroidery, were unforgettable."

In her concluding address, Lin Aiju, Secretary of the CIE CPC Committee, presented certificates and expressed hope that the students would act as cultural ambassadors, fostering continued friendship and exchange between China and Italy.