Discover Chengdu: Business, Tech & Culture in China's Western Hub

This Chengdu study tour combined academic insight, corporate engagement, and cultural immersion to provide participants with a multidimensional understanding of contemporary China.

The academic component of the program was hosted by the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), one of China’s most prestigious universities specializing in finance and economics. Participants attended lectures covering a range of topics including how cultural contexts shape entrepreneurship, cross-cultural differences between China and Russia, the impact of the U.S.–China trade tensions on global business, and emerging technological trends such as DeepSeek and artificial intelligence.

The program also included several industry visits, allowing participants to engage directly with leading Chinese companies. At XW Bank, one of China’s pioneering digital banks, participants exchanged insights with senior bankers over an in-depth discussion and dinner. At New Hope Dairy, one of China’s largest dairy producers, the group visited the production facilities to better understand the company’s operations and supply chain.

A highlight of the program was the visit to Swellfun, a premium Chinese baijiu brand with over 600 years of heritage. Participants toured the brand’s museum and historic cellars before taking part in a customized MBA strategy workshop, where teams developed market entry strategies for the brand. The session concluded with a lively competition: one team impressed the judges with an AI-generated video campaign, while another captured the audience’s attention with a humorous and creative strategy for introducing baijiu to new markets. The workshop provided a rare opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a real-world business context.

Beyond business and academics, the program offered rich cultural experiences that introduced participants to the unique character of Chengdu. The group dined at Haidilao, one of China’s most successful restaurant brands, visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe China’s iconic pandas, and explored the ancient civilization of the Sanxingdui Museum, home to remarkable artifacts from the Shu culture dating back 3,000–4,000 years. The experience concluded with a traditional Sichuan Opera performance, showcasing the vibrant artistic heritage of the region.

Through this blend of academic learning, industry engagement, and cultural exploration, the Chengdu program provided participants with an immersive perspective on China’s dynamic economy and rich cultural traditions.