In September 2021, the North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering (NCIAE) was designated as a “Foreign Experts Book House” by the Hebei Provincial Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, and in January 2023, it was honored as an “Outstanding Foreign Experts Book House” in Hebei Province. Since its establishment, the International Cooperation and Exchange Center has leveraged the book house as a platform to organize a variety of cultural exchange activities, broadening the horizons of faculty and students while enhancing the sense of belonging and well-being among foreign experts. The initiative has played an active role in sharing the stories and voices of Hebei with the wider world.

On the afternoon of June 4, a reading salon hosted by the International Cooperation and Exchange Center was held at the university’s Foreign Experts Book House. The event brought together faculty and students from the Hebei University of Technology’s Finland Campus, along with teachers and students from NCIAE’s School of Foreign Languages.

Yin Jing, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Center, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and expressed her hope that through this event, participants would gain deeper insights into and reflections on Chinese culture. Following a brief opening address, the reading session commenced. Chinese and international students read selected passages from books on Chinese culture, exploring topics such as Chinese culinary traditions, tea culture, traditional festivals, and famous tourist destinations. Throughout the event, lively interactions took place between faculty and students, fostering mutual learning and friendship through questions and shared experiences.

Zherebtsov Vladimir, a student from the Hebei University of Technology’s Finland Campus, shared his enjoyment of the event, noting that it gave him a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and daily life, which in turn strengthened his appreciation for China.

Civilizations thrive through exchange, mutual learning, and shared progress. As a key activity of the university’s Foreign Experts Book House, this reading salon drew on stories about China that resonated with international students. With a focus on cultural exchange and mutual enrichment, it served as a welcoming platform for dialogue between Chinese and international students, further elevating the university’s efforts to enhance the international dimension of its education.