International Students Gain Insights into China’s Finance and Urban Planning Through Field Study

On October 31, the International Education Center organized a field study for the 2025 international student cohort, taking them to the China Securities Museum and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. This immersive journey into Shanghai's financial history and urban development blueprint deepened the students' understanding of the Chinese development model and sparked both affinity and practical reflection.

Deciphering the "Institutional Code" of China's Financial Rise

At the China Securities Museum, the national museum of the industry, students traced the evolution of China's capital markets from inception to global strength. Exhibits, from a recreated first stock trading counter to early H-share certificates, made the abstract concept of "policy-driven development" tangible.

"The key to China's capital market growth lies in its robust regulatory framework and technological backing," observed Gambian student Ebou Cham. "This highlights how crucial it is for developing countries like Gambia to build systems that attract investment while safeguarding public interest."

Students also grasped the principle of "finance serving the real economy." Namibian student Amon Mutota noted, "The museum shows how Chinese capital markets contribute to improving the socialist market economy and supporting real industries. It's clear that finance here is never detached from national strategy."

The visit also sparked emotional connections. Algerian student Mohamed Fathi Benkhelifa, moved by an exhibit honoring financial pioneers, drew a parallel to his own country: "China cherishes its contributors to national development, much like Algerians remember our independence heroes. A nation that remembers its roots can go far."

Learning People-Centric Governance from the "Shanghai Model"

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center revealed the "human warmth" behind China's urban growth. Students explored the city's vision from the 1931 "Greater Shanghai Plan" to the 2035 "world-class global city" blueprint, witnessing the miracle of Pudong's transformation and future concepts for a smart, ecological metropolis.

"This isn't just about building skyscrapers, but about making the city more livable," said Algerian student Hamza Bouabsa, impressed by the detailed ecological plans. "The detailed designs for future metro lines and green spaces show that Shanghai's development is planned and sustainable."

Sierra Leonean student Mariama Jalloh was inspired by Pudong's journey: "From farmland to a global financial hub – I truly hope Sierra Leone can learn from such visionary planning for our own capital's transformation."

The thinking extended to the fiscal logic behind planning. Rwandan accounting student Gaspard Nsengiyumva focused on the "cost-benefit analysis and long-term fiscal planning" for Shanghai's infrastructure: "Every metro line and commercial district has clear financial calculations, demonstrating how public finance enables sustainable development."

Malawian student Enestina Mkandawire directly linked the "Shanghai experience" to her country's "Malawi 2063" vision: "The integrated framework of space, time, and policy in Shanghai's plan aligns with our approach. I will bring back these ideas on long-term vision and policy synergy."

From Understanding to Action: Becoming Ambassadors of China's Story

This field study moved students from simply "seeing" China to truly "understanding" it – its institutional resilience in finance, the human-centric philosophy in urban planning, and its open, inclusive development path.

"As I return, I will share China's capital market development experience with Somalia's financial regulators," said Somali student Siyad Mohamed Hussein, reflecting a shift from understanding to practical application.

Guided by the college's emphasis on deepening international students' understanding and friendship with China, the International Education Center continues to enrich its training program. Through classes, lectures, and field studies, it empowers students to become not just listeners, but informed interpreters and ambassadors of China's story, injecting practical force into global exchange.