To implement President Xi Jinping’s initiative to double the scale of European youth exchanges to China over the next three years, Tianjin Vocational Institute (TVI) held the "JinCai Xing: 2026 Tianjin Vocational Institute German University Students Cultural Exchange & Study Tour" from April 6 to 12. A group of 27 teachers and students from Private Fachhochschule für Wirtschaft und Technik Vechta/Diepholz (PHWT) in Germany embarked on a fulfilling and memorable week-long cultural exchange journey at the institute.

Under the theme "JinCai Ingenuity · China-Germany Hand in Hand," the study tour seamlessly integrated professional vocational training and immersive cultural experiences. The German students attended practical training courses at TVI’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering & Automation, School of Art and Engineering, and School of Automotive Engineering. They gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies such as intelligent manufacturing and new energy vehicle technologies, as well as traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage skills including Chinese calligraphy and painting and wooden mortise and tenon joinery.

The delegation also visited Tianjin Bosheng Ruichuang Technology Co., Ltd. and China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC), witnessing first-hand the vitality of China’s advanced industries and technological innovation.

For cultural immersion, they explored Yangliuqing Ancient Town to visit workshops of the national intangible cultural heritage Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Paintings. They also toured the Tianjin Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and Tianjin Ancient Culture Street (Jinmen Guli), experiencing the profound historical heritage and unique urban charm of Tianjin.

On the afternoon of April 12, the closing ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the program. Teachers and students from both countries watched a recap video highlighting the highlights of the exchange. A student representative from PHWT shared their profound gains and heartfelt impressions from their stay in China, expressing their commitment to bringing back this wonderful experience to Germany and contributing to the friendship between the two nations.

This study tour has not only deepened the vocational education cooperation between the two universities but also built a solid bridge of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Germany, strengthened by the vibrant power of youth.