Guided by the China Education Association for International Exchange and its Zhejiang counterpart, Zhejiang A&F University organized 50 IE University teachers and students from Spain, Italy, the US, Canada and other countries to join the 2026 "Perceive China, Charm of Zhejiang" program, visiting five destinations.

In Shanghai, they explored the Bund’s Nanjing Road area and classical Yu Garden, seeing how a megacity protects cultural heritage amid modernization.

In Jinyun, Lishui, they visited the Huangdi Cultural Center in Xiandu and the ancient Huiyang residences.

In Yiwu, they learned about the International Trade Market and Chouzhou Commercial Bank’s global business.

In Hangzhou, they toured West Lake, joined the “Concentric Bridge" + EM + "Overseas Youth Zhejiang Tour” Chinese cultural experience event, and visited the “China Metaverse Valley” science and technology hub.

In Deqing, they praised the county’s development as "incredible" and strolledthrough the ancient water town of Xinshi.

Through visits to historic sites and cultural experiences, the program fostered understanding and friendship between Chinese and international youth. Participants said the metropolises-and-counties itinerary gave them a complete picture of China’s development.