People's Daily reports on XJTU-hosted Italian youth exchange program.

A group of 58 young Italians departed from Rome and arrived in Xi'an for an in-depth exploration of this historic eastern metropolis, where tradition meets modernity.

The study tour was organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange and hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU). The participants, students from 18 universities including the Polytechnic University of Bari and the University of Bergamo, took part in this cultural exchange program.

During their stay, they visited Xi'an's iconic landmarks such as the Terracotta Warriors, the Bell Tower, and the ancient city wall, experiencing firsthand the city's rich historical heritage.

Standing atop the ancient city wall – which stretches 13.74 kilometers and is remarkably well-preserved – the young Italians were amazed by what they saw. They admired the intricate design of the arrow towers and corner towers, while also appreciating how ancient architecture harmoniously coexists with the modern cityscape.

One Italian student remarked that while Italy also has remnants of Roman city walls, Xi'an's wall is far more complete.

In addition to historical sites, the students also explored Xi'an's cutting-edge industries with visits to the BYD Xi'an factory, the Huawei Xi'an Research Institute, and LONGi Green Energy.

At BYD's automated production line, robotic arms moved swiftly and precisely to complete welding processes. At Huawei, students experienced the company's latest smartphones and cutting-edge telephoto computational photography, while the solar power technologies showcased by LONGi sparked a keen interest in environmental sustainability.

"The staff only need to monitor system parameters – most of the work is done by robots. This level of automation is beyond anything I imagined!" exclaimed Lorenzo Cotti, who excitedly filmed the fully automated BYD production line on his phone. "China's innovative achievements are truly impressive. I'm excited about the potential for collaboration between Italy and China in the green energy sector."

"This trip was not just a cultural journey – it was also an introduction to future cooperation," said Professor Sun Zhongguo of XJTU. "We look forward to young people from both countries writing a new chapter of cultural exchange and win-win collaboration."