The ‘Chinese Bridge – Panda High-Speed Rail Cultural Exchange Programme’ was successfully conducted from 16 to 30 April 2026 in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China. Hosted by Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU), the programme welcomed a delegation of 20 students from the Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University.
Organised by the KKU–SWJTU Tianyou Railway Institute under the collaborative framework between Khon Kaen University (KKU) and SWJTU, the two-week programme provided students with intensive instruction in the Chinese language, knowledge of railway systems engineering, and immersive cultural exchange activities.
During the programme, students participated in Chinese language classes covering both daily communication and specialised topics related to railway systems. This year’s curriculum placed a greater emphasis on oral communication skills, enabling students to practise using the language in real-world scenarios, such as navigating the university campus, engaging in cultural events, and participating in off-site study visits.
A key highlight of the programme was the high-speed rail experience. Students visited a train station and travelled by high-speed train to the city of Ya’an, gaining first-hand knowledge of China’s advanced railway system. They also explored cutting-edge railway innovations through visits to a superconducting maglev test track, a locomotive museum, and a centre for the integration of education and intelligent manufacturing. These visits provided a deeper understanding of modern railway equipment and its industrial applications.
On the cultural front, students engaged in hands-on workshops, including embroidery, paper cutting, and shadow puppetry. The itinerary also featured visits to significant cultural institutions such as the Sichuan Museum, the Chengdu Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. A walking tour of Chengdu offered further perspectives on the city’s unique blend of traditional culture and modern development.
Through this intensive experience, the students significantly improved their Chinese communication skills, particularly in speaking, and developed a profound understanding of Chinese culture and society. Furthermore, they gained valuable knowledge in railway system engineering and broadened their international outlook.
The programme continues to serve as an important platform for equipping engineering students with both technical expertise and cross-cultural communication skills. It also reinforces the long-term cooperation between Thailand and China in the ongoing development of railway systems.
