Decoding Chinese Modernization: A Six-Year Journey through 59 Field Studies

Renmin University of China School of Global Leadership Report: On December 30, 2025, all international students in the Class of 2025, majoring in Contemporary China Studies at the Silk Road School of Renmin University of China, embarked on a profound practical learning journey to the Museum of the Communist Party of China(CPC) and the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center. This journey, bridging eras and ideas, gave these global youth a nuanced, two-fold lens through which to view modern China.

In the morning, filled with anticipation to uncover the secrets behind China's development, the students of the Silk Road School stepped into the Museum of the CPC. Amidst precious artifacts and historical scenes, they revisited the magnificent century-long journey. In the afternoon, shifting their gaze from history to the future, they entered the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center, experiencing firsthand the surging momentum of China's technological innovation.

"This history is not only China's but also a vital chapter in the narrative of humanity's pursuit of development and progress," remarked Seth Kallestad from the United States after the visit. "We couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast between the immense hardships faced by the Red Army during the Long March and the astonishing innovation displayed by China today. It seems to suggest that only under the most intense pressure can the brightest diamond be formed!"

Emilie Blanc from France said, "Throughout the visit, we followed in the footsteps of Communist Party heroes and outstanding figures. What moved me most was the consistent focus on the people, even within the grand historical tapestry filled with heroes. This made me realize that the people are the core of the CPC. They are far from mere bystanders of history; they are fully recognized as the true protagonists of the nation's history and development. The phrase 'staying true to our original aspiration and keeping our mission firmly in mind,' repeated throughout the tour, constantly reminded us that the CPC has always remained faithful to its founding mission: to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. This original aspiration is not a fixed slogan but a lasting commitment, constantly reaffirmed and put into practice at every stage of history. It is precisely for the people and by relying on the people that the CPC has achieved its greatest accomplishments, making China the strong nation it is today. Drawing strength from its history and development, China today, while adhering to its fundamental principle of placing the people and humanity at the core of development, is also guiding other nations toward a world based on innovation, cooperation, and harmony!" 

"This completely overturned my traditional impression of Chinese manufacturing!" exclaimed Chadi Marahi from Morocco after experiencing interactive smart devices. "The Zhongguancun Exhibition Center is a strategic hub gathering thousands of tech enterprises! I saw many vibrant startups, and the efficiency and creativity they demonstrate in solving practical problems in healthcare, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and even space exploration are astounding! I was fortunate to witness China's innovative achievements firsthand. My understanding of China is constantly being reshaped!"  

Though the day's visit was brief, the reflections it sparked among the students are profound. From the weighty history housed in the Museum of the CPC to the surging wave of innovation in Zhongguancun, the international students of the Silk Road School completed an immersive interpretation of the logic behind contemporary China's development. They observed that China's modernization process is built upon deep historical roots and cultural confidence, coupled with a forward-looking vision and technological ambition.

Drawing on the theoretical framework of Chinese modernization and centered on the curricular objective of enabling students to gain a deep understanding of China's national conditions, the Silk Road School of Renmin University of China has developed a rich experiential learning program that brings China's developmental achievements to life.

On September 29, 2019, faculty and students of the Silk Road School visited the headquarters of GCL Group, a leading comprehensive energy enterprise, gaining in-depth insights into the streamlined and flexible operational mechanisms, exceptional execution capabilities, cost-competitive advantages, and continuously growing corporate value of China's technology innovation firms. 

On October 23, 2019, they traveled to Zhenze Town to visit the Taihuxue Sericulture Cultural Park, where they engaged in deep learning about silkworm breeding, silk manufacturing techniques, and the historical development of the "Silk Road." 

On November 6, 2019, the group visited Suzhou Jinjin Changfa Food Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Xinan Electric Co., Ltd., gaining a thorough understanding of the production processes and cultural significance of traditional Wu-style cuisine, as well as the development philosophy of the electrical industry and the technological R&D of PCBA products. 

On November 13, 2019, they visited Taicang Port Economic and Technological Development Area to tour Taicang CIMC Refrigerated Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd., witnessing the transformation of Chinese enterprises from "Made in China" to "Intelligent Manufacturing in China" and experiencing the promising prospects of jointly building the Belt and Road and sharing developmental dividends. 

On November 23, 2019, they visited the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) to attend the Second Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo, learning about the dynamics of cultural industry development and regional integration in the Yangtze River Delta. 

From December 28 to 29, 2019, they conducted research in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, visiting the Yiwu International Trade City (Zones 1 and 5), HC Semitek (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., and Yiwu Senshan Health Town, among other sites, and held a symposium with the Yiwu Municipal People's Government.

On September 27, 2020, the Silk Road School organized students to visit Lili Ancient Town in Suzhou for a cultural field study. The activity aimed to help them gain insights into Jiangnan folk customs, understand traditional Chinese architecture, appreciate the spirit of the Chinese nation, and experience the unique charm of the water towns in the Jiangnan region.

From November 4 to November 5, 2020, faculty and students of the Silk Road School traveled to Huzhou, Zhejiang Province for a field research. They visited the Huzhou Shanlian Hubi Factory, the Wuxing District Silk Town, the Huzhou Local Chronicles Museum, Tianneng Power International Group, characteristic homestays in Moganshan, and the Anji Dashanwu White Tea Factory, among other sites. They also held a discussion with the Huzhou municipal government.

On April 22, 2021, the Silk Road School faculty and students visited Wujiang for field study, exploring Jingsi Garden—the largest private garden in the Jiangnan region—where they were warmly received by the garden’s owner, Chen Jingen. 

On September 24, 2021, they participated in the Third Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Expo, tracing the thousand-year legacy of the canal and savoring its cultural heritage.

On November 30, 2021, the Silk Road School faculty and students visited the Suzhou Dushu Lake Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Port, gaining an in-depth understanding of the entrepreneurial enterprises and policies within the park. 

On December 14, 2021, the school organized students to participate in the special event "International Competence Enhancement Workshop: Sino-Foreign Cultural Exchange" hosted by the industrial park. This helped students better understand the story of Suzhou, experience the park’s socioeconomic development achievements, and immerse themselves in its open and inclusive cultural environment.

On December 21, 2021, the Silk Road School faculty and students visited Zhenze Town to explore the Taihu Snow Sericulture Cultural Park once again. There, they deepened their knowledge of silkworm breeding and silk weaving techniques, while also learning about the origins of silk culture and the historical development of the "Silk Road."

On May 31, 2022, faculty and students of the Silk Road School visited the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute, a national-level intangible cultural heritage protection unit, to learn about the development history of Suzhou embroidery, its artistic techniques, as well as the inheritance and innovation of this cultural craft.

On June 2, 2022, they visited Caizhizhai, a time-honored brand on Guanqian Street in Suzhou, delving into the culinary delights that define Suzhou's food culture.

On June 6, 2022, the group traveled to Luzhi Ancient Town in Suzhou to explore the local customs and traditions of Jiangnan water towns and experience their unique charm. The following day, on June 7, 2022, they visited the Wu Culture Museum to appreciate the distinctive cultural heritage of the Wu region up close.

On June 16, 2022, they visited Jiangsu Kuai'erjie Logistics Co., Ltd., gaining an in-depth understanding of the development history and internationalized business operations of this leading logistics and warehousing enterprise in Suzhou, while also experiencing the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of private business leaders.

On November 2, 2022, the Silk Road School faculty and students traveled to Shengze, known as the "Silk Capital," to visit the Songjin Culture Park. There, they learned about the development history of Song brocade, an intangible cultural heritage, and the inheritance and innovation of its weaving techniques, appreciating the enduring charm of silk culture.

On November 24, 2022, they visited the headquarters of GCL Group, a leading enterprise in the new energy sector, to explore the themes of technological and green development in China. This visit provided further insights into the streamlined operations, exceptional execution capabilities, cost competitiveness, and continuously growing corporate value of China's technology innovation companies.

From March 23 to 24, 2023, the Silk Road School faculty and students embarked on a research trip to Yiwu. They immersed themselves in the city's prominent practices in international trade, e-commerce, and logistics, visited historical sites such as the former residence of Wang Dao and Futang Old Street, and held discussions with the Yiwu municipal government.

On March 25, 2023, the Silk Road School faculty and students embarked on a research trip to Lanxi, visiting Youbu Ancient Town, Zhuge Bagua Village, and Hongshi Group. This journey allowed them to experience more outstanding cultural elements with Chinese characteristics, embodying the Chinese spirit and wisdom.

On April 11, 2023, they visited the West Branch of the Suzhou Museum for a thematic study tour, exploring the special exhibition "Home of the Heart: Dunhuang Art Reproduction and Spiritual Heritage," tracing the origins of Dunhuang art and inheriting the Silk Road spirit.

On April 26, 2023, the group traveled to Jiangcun Memorial Hall of Fei Xiaotong and Taihu Snow Sericulture Cultural Park in Wujiang District, Suzhou. Here, they gained insights into the local sentiments of Fei Xiaotong, a master of Chinese sociology, and experienced the millennia-old sericulture culture of the Wu region.

On June 20, 2023, the Silk Road School faculty and students visited Tiemen Town in Xin'an County, Luoyang City, to investigate new models of rural grid-based governance and the latest developments in fully digitalized agriculture, witnessing the practical achievements of rural revitalization.

On September 26, 2023, they traveled to Xi'an to visit the Shaanxi History Museum, exploring the rich cultural connotations of historical artifacts, witnessing the creation and inheritance of Chinese civilization, and feeling the unique charm of Silk Road history and culture.

On October 20, 2023, the Silk Road School faculty and students went to Hangzhou for a research trip, visiting the Hangzhou City Brain Operations Command Center and Xiaoshan Robot Town, witnessing China's achievements in the fields of digital economy and artificial intelligence.

On October 22, 2023, they visited Fengyuan Village in Zhuji City, one of the birthplaces of the "Fengqiao Experience," for an in-depth study tour.

On November 8, 2023, the group traveled to Shanghai to visit the Memorial Hall of the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Anti-Japanese War Memorial Site.

On November 14, 2023, the Silk Road School organized students to visit the main campus in Beijing for a school history education-themed research tour. By exploring the old campus, museums, and the former site of the Sino-French University, students deepened their understanding and identification with the historical and cultural heritage of Renmin University of China.

In November 2023, the Silk Road School's distinctive research classrooms were selected for the "Belt and Road" International Education Cloud Exhibition and were featured by multiple media outlets, including People's Daily, China Daily, and Xinhua News Agency.

On December 8, 2023, the Silk Road School faculty and students visited Xiangmen, exploring the past and present of Suzhou's ancient city walls. They also visited the City Wall Museum to learn about the historical changes, restoration, and protection of Suzhou's ancient city.

On March 1, 2024, faculty and students of the Silk Road School visited Zhenhu, Suzhou, to conduct field research on the preservation and inheritance of embroidery craftsmanship, as well as the modernization and innovative development of Suzhou embroidery. 

On March 7, 2024, they visited Jiangsu Sujing Group to investigate environmental technology innovations, intelligent manufacturing technologies, and their multi-sector applications. 

On March 29, 2024, the group traveled to Jingdezhen Ceramic University to explore the inheritance and evolution of ceramic art and the pathways of international exchange in this field.

As an important platform for cultivating international talent with a deep understanding and friendship toward China, the Silk Road School remains committed to a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, enabling young students from around the world to perceive China in a comprehensive and profound manner. Their insights and reflections are bound to transform into youthful energy that promotes mutual learning among civilizations and advances the building of a global community with a shared future for mankind. As one student remarked on the return journey: "Today, we are not merely visitors but have become part of China's story. We will carry this unique understanding forward to help shape a more inclusive and cooperative global future."