On the morning of June 29, 2026, the 2026 "Discover Jiangsu" International Summer School, hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education and organized by Hohai University, opened in Nanjing. This summer school focuses on the theme of "Water Disaster Prevention and Sustainable Development." Attendees at the opening ceremony included Zhang Jianyun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Yangtze River Protection and Green Development Research Institute; Xu Chongyu, Academician of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences; Shen Yang, Vice President of Hohai University; and Li Qinjing, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Division of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education. Representatives from relevant university departments, as well as faculty and students from China and abroad, were also present. This year's summer school successfully attracted over 50 outstanding international students from countries such as the United States, France, Norway, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, showcasing a diverse student body and distinct international characteristics.
At the opening ceremony, Shen Yang warmly welcomed faculty and students from around the world. He emphasized that the summer school focuses on critical issues for humanity's shared future and promotes academic and cultural exchanges between China and other countries. He also highlighted Hohai University's century-long expertise in water conservancy and its disciplinary strengths. He expressed hope that participants would gain knowledge, foster friendships, and grow through lectures, field trips, and cultural experiences over the next two weeks. Finally, he wished the summer school a resounding success.
Li Qinjing stated at the ceremony that Hohai University's hosting of the summer school on "Water Disaster Prevention and Sustainable Development" demonstrates the university's unique strengths. By bringing together top-tier faculty and combining academic discussions with cultural experiences, the event encourages in-depth exchanges and mutual learning among students from different countries, fostering lasting transnational friendships.
Following the opening ceremony, Zhang Jianyun, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Yangtze River Protection and Green Development Research Institute, and Xu Chongyu, Academician of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters and the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences, delivered keynote speeches titled "The Impact of Water Resources and Climate Change on China" and "Water and Civilization: Why Water Is the Source of Life on Earth," respectively.
In addition to lectures by renowned domestic and international experts, the summer school features courses on traditional Chinese culture, such as Chinese martial arts, plant-based dyeing, and calligraphy. Participants will also visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, the City Wall Museum, and local tech companies. Through a combination of "academic immersion" and "cultural immersion," the program aims to help international students experience the quality of Chinese higher education while gaining a deep understanding of contemporary China's innovative development. The cross-cultural dialogue is expected to create unforgettable memories.
The "Discover Jiangsu" International Summer School is a flagship initiative for Jiangsu's educational exchanges with the world. This year marks the fourth consecutive edition hosted by Hohai University. The university is committed to making "Beautiful Jiangsu" a vital platform for showcasing the charm of Chinese culture and promoting friendly exchanges among global youth, enabling more outstanding international students to gain a true, multidimensional, and comprehensive understanding of China through this window.
