Carlos Lafuente Picazo (left) and Amalia Garcia Lopez, along with other members of the Young Explorer Program, visit the Shanghai Film Museum in Shanghai on April 13. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

Amalia Garcia Lopez and Carlos Lafuente Picazo, two final-year university students from Spain, have just wrapped up a nine-day trip to Shanghai — a city they might one day consider calling home.

They were participants in the Young Explorer Program, jointly organized by the School of Journalism and Communication at Shanghai International Studies University and Nouvelles d'Europe (UK).

Designed to bring international members of Gen Z to China and introduce them to Shanghai, the program offers overseas youth the opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand and foster people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding.

From April 11 to 19, 22 young people from countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and the United States took part in the immersive journey. Their itinerary included guided city walks and visits to companies and neighborhoods, offering a deep dive into Shanghai's society and culture.

As they wandered through different districts, the group explored museums and heritage sites to learn about the city's history, visited iconic tourist attractions to experience its modern vibe, engaged with traditional Chinese culture in local communities and ancient water towns, and discovered thriving business hubs and revitalized historic neighborhoods.

Coming from different cultural backgrounds and joining the program with different motivations, all participants described the trip as both enjoyable and rewarding.

Picazo, 23, who studies law and international relations, and Lopez, 27, a political science major, had already taken an interest in China before the visit. During the trip, they were particularly impressed by Shanghai's diversity — describing the city as "cosmopolitan" and "dynamic", respectively.

"I was coming to Shanghai with the impression that it's like a city of the future, and so far, I feel like I'm seeing it for real," said Picazo. "I think Shanghai is a city made for everyone. I've seen people from all over the world here, and you can find whatever you need. It has so much to offer to make whoever comes feel comfortable."

"One thing that surprised me is that Shanghai has a lot of nature, and it is so green," Lopez said. "It's the perfect mix between society and nature, and it's a city that's growing every day. So, for me it was quite shocking because I think when cities expand, they tend to just get rid of the trees and the nature."

The group visits Tianzifang in Shanghai on April 13. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

Building connections

Sharing the same dream of becoming diplomats, the two hope to learn more about Chinese society and its people during the trip. After Shanghai, their journey will continue to other cities, including Hong Kong, Beijing, and Nanjing.

"Diplomacy cannot work if you don't cooperate with people of other nationalities or if you don't understand how they think and work," said Lopez. "I want to be a person who helps society in the future, so I think it's important to understand civilizations and societies."

Picazo agrees. "Civilizations are really interesting, and in order to promote diplomacy, it's really important to know the people you're dealing with," he said. "That's why we would go into neighborhoods to see people's daily lives and do our utmost to understand each other."

Captivated by the "charming and respectful "nature of the Chinese people, as well as their vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle, both Lopez and Picazo are optimistic about the idea of returning — and even living here — in the future.

They are not the only ones continuing their journey of discovery in China. Aiden Charles Redmile, a 33-year-old business owner, and Salma Masrour, a 28-year-old influencer — both from the UK — are also planning to visit Beijing after their stay in Shanghai. It's their first time in China, and they're eager to explore more diverse aspects of the country.

"I came with an open mind to see as much as possible on what it's all like (in China)," said Redmile, who is especially excited to try out China's high-speed trains.

"Rather than just getting secondhand stories or seeing it on TV, it's always different to actually see it in real life. It's better to get a first-person perspective," he said.

The group visits Tianzifang in Shanghai on April 13. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]