Chongqing University hosts a series of events as part of the "Experience China" series on Thursday and Friday, focusing on the burgeoning new energy vehicle industry. [Photo by Deng Rui/chinadaily.com.cn]
A two-day crash-course on the burgeoning new energy vehicle industry laid on by Chongqing University has attracted more than 40 international students from 20 countries, including Australia, Nepal and Vietnam.
A part of the "Experience China" series sponsored by the China Scholarship Council, the events were hosted by Chongqing University and co-organized by Hefei University of Technology (HFUT).
The initiative, designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the latest developments in China's NEV sector, featured an itinerary of lectures, company visits and study tours in the southwestern municipality.
The program began on Thursday morning with a lecture by professor Zhang Caizhi from Chongqing University's College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering entitled "Industrial development trends and key technological innovation of new energy vehicles".
"The professor provided me with valuable insights into the industry, and I was particularly captivated by the application of AI in this field," said Bayramov Ramil, an Azerbaijani student from HFUT. The 26-year-old said that, because of their impressive impact on the global market, he was eager to visit the vehicle companies of Chongqing.
Chongqing University hosts a series of events as part of the "Experience China" series on Thursday and Friday, focusing on the burgeoning new energy vehicle industry. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
From Thursday to Friday, participants visited key industry sites, including the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co and Chongqing Urban Planning Exhibition Gallery.
"We have tailored this event to highlight the historical, cultural and socio-economic characteristics of Chongqing, combined with the academic strengths of our university," said Chen Ying, deputy director of Chongqing University's Center of International Student Mobility Service.
Regarded as China's biggest automobile manufacturing base, Chongqing has seen rapid growth in NEV production, with over 1.3 million units rolling off production lines last year — a 36 percent increase year-on-year. By the end of 2025, the city boasted an NEV ownership of approximately 952,000 vehicles, surpassing the national average, according to the Chongqing Municipal Economic and Information Technology Commission.
Chongqing University hosts a series of events as part of the "Experience China" series on Thursday and Friday, focusing on the burgeoning new energy vehicle industry. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Chongqing University, with its College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, was one of the first institutions in China dedicated to training automotive engineers. Its Vehicle Engineering program is recognized as a national specialty and a pilot program for the Excellence Engineer Education Program.
HFUT is renowned for its robust programs in automotive engineering and mechanical design and manufacturing.
According to teacher Zhang Huihui, the next "Experience China" session will be hosted by HFUT in Hefei, Anhui province, from May 28 to 29, with students from Chongqing University also invited to participate.
Chongqing University hosts a series of events as part of the "Experience China" series on Thursday and Friday, focusing on the burgeoning new energy vehicle industry. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
