Gen Z Students Dive Into 5,000 Years of Chinese Culture in Hangzhou

Exploring the Cultural Legacy of Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the historical city known for its rich 5,000-year-old civilization, serves as a crucial conduit for sharing China’s narrative with the world. As part of the Hangzhou International Communication Center’s (HZICC) initiative, the 'Gen Z City Experience Officers' program was launched in 2025, featuring a series of ten engaging events specifically designed for international students.

This innovative series aimed to immerse students in the essence of Hangzhou, allowing them to dive deeper into local enterprises, vibrant villages, and various cultural exchange hubs. The overall goal is empowering these students to become ambassadors, sharing the opportunities and strengths of Hangzhou on a global platform.

One highlight of the program involved three thought-provoking roundtable forums, fostering a rich intellectual exchange among diverse participants. Notably, in February, the 'Good Civilization When East Meets West' forum hosted over 100 entrepreneurs, scholars, and philanthropists at Alibaba's Xixi Campus. Here, significant discussions revolved around topics like impactful donations, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, and the nuances of globalization. Among the speakers, Russian student Iushchenko Elizaveta emphasized, "Enterprises, regardless of size, must balance profit with environmental and social responsibility—a lesson vividly illustrated here."

In July, an 'Open Day' event at HZICC brought together 100 inquisitive students from 11 universities. Xiang Hui, the Deputy Editor in Chief of Hangzhou Daily, was present to remark, "Hangzhou, with its 5,000 years of civilization, remains an essential window for telling China’s story, where international communication serves as the bridge for global understanding."

Additionally, three immersive experiences intertwined culture with modern innovation. For instance, a May exhibition featuring the greatly anticipated video game 'Black Myth Wukong' captivated audiences, drawing in Vietnamese student Ding Yinghang, who exclaimed, "This game is more than entertainment—it’s a gateway to China’s cultural soul, inspiring me to visit its scenic locations."

In mid-May, two workshops on e-commerce powered by artificial intelligence introduced students from 18 different countries to cross-border commerce concepts. These workshops equipped them with the tools to promote Hangzhou’s allure in the digital sphere.

Field trips to industry leaders like Hailiang and Chint sparked significant conversations about corporate globalization. During a visit to Hailiang, Moroccan students participated in discussions about how Chinese enterprises are making inroads into Africa. One student, Ghita, sharing her personal reflections, mentioned, "China feels like my second home; I want to share what I’ve learned here as my way of giving back."

Through these forums focused on sustainability, cultural discoveries, and technological education, international students are becoming storytellers of their own narratives. They are set to return to their home countries with rich tales of a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary innovation, showcasing Hangzhou as a pivotal bridge between the East and West. The efforts made by HZICC highlight the potential of cultural exchange in fostering global understanding, solidifying Hangzhou’s role as a vibrant cultural and historical epicenter.

As the program unfolds, it promises an exciting array of events designed to enlighten and educate, reinforcing the city’s position on the world stage as a place where heritage and forward-thinking ideas harmoniously coexist.