On August 9, 2024, Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS), Tsinghua University held a concluding seminar in Shanghai, marking the successful completion of the 2024 Doctoral Summer Social Practice program. During the seminar, seven doctoral students of IIAS presented their findings and reflections, drawing on their research and professional expertise. Their presentations covered a range of topics, including industrial development, grassroots governance, talent acquisition, cultural and tourism development, spiritual civilization, and water conservancy projects. Over six weeks, the students conducted field studies in both Shanghai and Baiyin, engaging in multiple discussions with local leaders and officials, which deepened their understanding of the socio-economic and cultural development in China's eastern and western regions.
This year’s doctoral summer social practice was in response to President Xi Jinping's call to "deeply implement the regional coordinated development strategy" and "promote a new pattern of western development." Continuing the IIAS’s exploration of the "dual-city, dual-base" model, the team conducted comprehensive research from a multidisciplinary perspective on the current state, development experience and influencing factors in China's eastern and western regions. This experience not only enhanced the students' understanding of domestic social development but also laid a solid foundation for their future fieldwork in developing countries.
In Shanghai, the team focused on themes such as party-led grassroots governance, urban development and opening-up, high-tech industrial growth, and cultural-ecological development. They visited key locations like Lujiazui Financial Zone and thePilot Free Trade Zone in Pudong New Area, gaining insights into Shanghai’s achievements in high-level institutional openness. At Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, the students concentrated on the development of cutting-edge industries such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence. They visited companies like UNISOC and the Zhangjiang Pharma Valley Innovation Platform, experiencing firsthand Shanghai’s innovation ecosystem and research capabilities.
In Baiyin, Gansu Province, the team conducted research across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, culture, tourism, rural revitalization, and local governance. Baiyin, an important industrial base in Northwest China, impressed the students with its advanced technologies in rare earth processing and non-ferrous metal smelting. Additionally, Baiyin’s rich cultural heritage and distinct regional characteristics provided the students with a deeper understanding of the "Copper City’s" historical and cultural legacy.
During the practice period, the team also engaged in thematic and labor education activities, including a visit to the site of the 1st National Congress of the Communist Party of China. They gained a deeper appreciation of the firm resolve of the Communist Party in striving for national liberation and independence, further strengthening their own ideals and beliefs.
Through this social practice, the students not only gained a deeper understanding of China’s social reform and development but also offered valuable strategic suggestions for local growth. This experience has provided them with a strong foundation for their future academic research and fieldwork.
Text editor: Shan Huang
