On February 14, the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) welcomed 23 international exchange students from 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Singapore, Morocco, Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Australia. These students from worldwide top universities are embarking on a new academic journey in Shanghai for the coming spring semester.
As part of their orientation, the students participated in a cultural tour of Shanghai on February 22, designed to introduce them to the city’s unique blend of traditional charm and modern dynamism.
The tour began with a visit to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Renowned for its meticulously designed pavilions, winding Nine-Bend Bridge, and vibrant winter plum blossoms, Yu Garden offered the students an immersive experience in the architectural elegance and serene atmosphere of a traditional Jiangnan garden.
The group then visited a local tea house, where they observed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Led by an experienced tea master, the students learned about the intricate steps involved in the tea-making process, from warming the teacups to brewing and serving the tea. This hands-on experience provided the students with a deeper understanding of China’s centuries-old tea culture.
The final destination of the tour was the Bund, where the students enjoyed panoramic views of Shanghai’s waterfront. On one side, the historic colonial-era architecture of the Bund stood in contrast to the modern skyline of Lujiazui, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Center. This juxtaposition of old and new offered the students a compelling visual representation of Shanghai’s rich history and its aspirations for the future.
Following the cultural tour, the exchange students gathered on the SJTU campus to begin their academic studies at the Joint Institute for the spring semester, marking the start of their educational experience in Shanghai.
