A young Sinologist speaks at the program. [Photo provided to China Daily]

An exchange program recently brought together 38 Sinologists from 34 countries for research and study at several institutes in Beijing.

The Beijing Class of the 2018 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists, which will last for three weeks, kicked off on July 6 in Beijing.

Speaking at the launch of the program, Zhu Qi, vice-director of the foreign affairs bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, says: "As China enters a new era, modern Sinology also offers new development opportunities. So, young sinologists have huge potential for building a strong bridge between the Chinese people and other nations."

The program, which was started by the ministry in 2014, aims to strengthen cultural exchanges and set up a platform for young Sinologists worldwide to communicate and learn more about Chinese culture and history.

"And during the past five years, the program has promoted ideological and cultural exchanges between China and other countries. It also constantly sums up useful experiences and takes an innovative approach to training, to create better conditions for young Sinologists coming to China," says Zhu.

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Meanwhile, the Sinologists-after attending three days of lectures by Chinese scholars-were divided into different groups according to their research fields and were asked to conduct specific research at relevant academic organizations or universities, including Peking University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Beijing Language and Culture University, for about two weeks.

They will then visit Guizhou province in Southwest China to learn about its ethnic culture and eco-civilization practices.

Later, the sinologists will interact with their Chinese professors on academic research and their theses.

Separately, five participants from countries including the United States, Nepal, and Serbia shared their stories about what they learned about Chinese culture during their studies in China.

[Photo provided to China Daily]

American participant David Solomon, who works for the US-China Business Council, says: "It (the program) was a unique opportunity for me to work with a diverse group of scholars and practitioners who are passionate and curious about China and its relationship with the rest of the world," he says.

Solomon says his passion for understanding China began more than a decade ago, when he visited Beijing for the first time.

And he has remained passionate about engaging with China as a rising global giant, both personally and professionally.

This year's program will feature sessions in five cities besides Beijing, including Shanghai, Chongqing and Guangdong, and will involve more than 200 participants, according to the ministry.

[Photo provided to China Daily]