On April 21, the Silk Road School’s  "Chinese Path to Modernization"  field study course took students to Hangzhou, where they visited Eric Sports, TrueAI, and Unitree Technology. Through facility tours, corporate discussions, and hands-on experiences, the group gained firsthand insights into how Chinese enterprises innovate amid globalization.

Global Competitiveness of "Made in China"

At Eric Sports, students explored product showrooms and a TikTok livestream studio, testing fitness equipment exported to markets like the U.S. and Southeast Asia. During a Q&A, Nepalese student Avi asked about U.S. tariff impacts. The executive responded:  "Tariffs pose minimal disruption. Our U.S. inventory covers 3 months—enough to weather potential policy shifts. Even if sustained, our repriced products remain competitive. Moreover, China’s vast domestic market and manufacturing resilience ensure adaptability."  The company extended internship invitations, urging students to join their global expansion.

AI-Driven Digital Transformation

TrueAI showcased AI+RPA applications in finance and governance, highlighting China’s tech-industry integration. Students marveled at the scalable solutions, noting their relevance for developing economies.  "China’s AI adoption is remarkably pragmatic,"  remarked one participant.

Hard Tech Innovation with Chinese Characteristics

Unitree Technology, a leader in quadruped robots, let students interact with its robotic dogs. Engineers detailed China’s shift from  "catching up"  to  "leading"  in core technologies, crediting breakthroughs like open-source data platforms (e.g., DeepSeek) during R&D challenges. With combat robots now in development, Unitree exemplifies how  "Chinese modernization thrives on self-driven innovation."

This immersion into high-quality development, sci-tech innovation, and open cooperation offered students a microcosm of China’s modernization. The Silk Road School will continue refining its  "theory + practice"  pedagogy, fostering global perspectives through immersive learning.