On July 31, as the aircraft broke through the clouds, the Thames River outside the window appeared like a graceful ribbon winding its way below. The seven-day study tour for the MBA and EDP students from Soochow University officially commenced.

British Museum Study Tour

Amidst the majestic halls of the British Museum, students wandered through art galleries featuring the Rosetta Stone and sculptures from the Parthenon, as if stepping into the vast river of human civilization. Entering the Chinese Gallery, exquisite porcelain and bronze artifacts silently narrated tales of bygone eras in a foreign land. Each artifact stood as a testament to history, embodying the pinnacle of human ingenuity and weaving fascinating, profoundly meaningful stories!

Visiting the Airbus Factory Museum

Within the early Airbus factory in Bristol, the “European Craftsmanship” is fully showcased. This space is not only a venue for technological display but also a place for deep immersion in the legacy of scientific spirit and the study of historical narratives. Participants immersed themselves in the experience, gaining profound insights into the journey of continuous innovation and bold exploration in the scientific realm, as well as the great spirit of perseverance and dedicated research embodied by scientists.

A Journey Through Time: Bath and Bristol

Waking up in the comfort of a Bristol hotel at dawn, our first stop is Bath—hailed as “Britain's most beautiful ancient city.” This UNESCO World Heritage city unfolds like a living history textbook: the perfectly curved architectural ensembles of The Circus and the Royal Crescent stand as the pinnacle of 18th-century urban planning aesthetics. We deeply felt Bath's unshakeable status in architectural history and urban culture, where every honey-colored stone seemed to whisper of Georgian-era splendor. We also visited the University of Bath's School of Management.

In the afternoon, we returned to the port city of Bristol. The soaring Bristol Cathedral displayed the intricate beauty of Gothic architecture, while the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, with its elegant span across the deep gorge, symbolized the engineering marvels and ambitions of the Industrial Revolution era.

Bristol Lecture

Professor Smart, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, ignited participants' thirst for knowledge with an inspiring lecture. Discussions centered on AI applications in sustainable development and visions for the future, where Eastern and Western wisdom converged to create a truly enriching learning experience.

Knocking on the Door of Wisdom: An Academic Immersion at the University of Cambridge

On the fourth day, driven by a thirst for knowledge, we set off for the world-renowned academic sanctuary—Cambridge. At the University of Cambridge's International Centre for Manufacturing, Professor Shi Yongjiang delivered a lecture titled “Exploring Cambridge's Innovation Ecosystem,” revealing the mechanisms behind Cambridge's technological marvels to our study group. With deep expertise in manufacturing and innovation management, Professor Shi systematically dissected how Cambridge University and its surrounding region nurture and sustain their formidable innovative vitality. Drawing on his profound academic foundation and extensive practical experience, he revealed the ecosystem mechanisms behind the “Cambridge Phenomenon”—from research-driven initiatives at top-tier institutions and deep industry-academia-research integration to venture capital clustering and entrepreneurial culture cultivation. During the workshop segment, MBA and EDP participants engaged in group discussions on cultivating corporate core competitiveness and examining the UK government's mechanisms and strategies for supporting business innovation. Through hands-on case studies, attendees learned networking techniques, experienced international innovation business models firsthand, and explored the essential components for building innovation ecosystems.

As the day drew to a close, we embraced the quintessential Cambridge experience—a punting trip along the River Cam. Gliding over the gentle ripples, we watched the reflections of ancient colleges dance upon the water's surface. The golden glow of the setting sun cast its warm embrace, bringing a perfect conclusion to this day steeped in wisdom.

The study tour extends the classroom to the front lines of industry. In Oxford, participants visited the Mini Cooper Innovation Factory, touring the automotive production workshop to observe the entire manufacturing process—from stamping and welding to assembly.

The seven-day study tour concluded successfully. Participants' notebooks were filled with cutting-edge insights and innovative models, while their phones stored thousands of photos. From Bristol's AI strategy to Cambridge's innovation ecosystem, from the Mini Cooper production line to AI companies' business models, British wisdom has quietly integrated into the thinking frameworks of these Chinese corporate leaders and practitioners.