An Industrial Culture Tour for XJTLU International Students

On May 13, international students from the CLT305 Business Chinese course visited the Giant bicycle factory in Kunshan to engage in experiential learning activities.

Guided by factory staff, the students entered the normally off-limits production floor to observe the bicycle assembly process. Multiple assembly lines ran simultaneously: robotic arms handled welding and painting, while workers carried out component assembly along the line. According to the on-site briefing, this facility is one of Giant’s key global production hubs, with an average daily output of several thousand bicycles.

Mr. Meng Sheng, the manager in charge of Giant (Kunshan) Co., Ltd., gave a detailed presentation on the company’s history, scale, future outlook, and core philosophy. He emphasized that talent is critical to the company’s growth. The module leader of CLT305, Ms. Wang Haixia, added that Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has a strong pool of international student talent and that the two sides could further strengthen communication and expand collaboration in areas such as talent cultivation and graduate employment.

During the tour, Livia from Indonesia said, “I had heard of Giant before, but seeing how a bike is actually made gave me a real, hands-on sense of industrial production.” Rapassanan from Thailand noted that she had never realized how many types of bicycles exist, nor had she understood the connection between manufacturing, race events, and charitable initiatives. The visit made her see that companies need to focus not only on production but also on cultivating a cycling culture, fostering a sense of community, and strengthening customer loyalty.

In the afternoon, the students headed to Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou for a lakeside cycling session to test the performance of Giant bicycles firsthand. A professional cycling coach accompanied the group throughout. “The route offered great scenery and smooth roads—safe and relaxing. With the factory visit in the morning, the day was full and rewarding. ” said Deamandy, an Indonesian student.

The event combined an industrial site visit with outdoor sports, satisfying the students’ curiosity about modern manufacturing while offering both educational value and enjoyment. From the precision assembly lines at the factory to the bike paths along Yangcheng Lake, the students completed a full arc of understanding—from “how it’s made” to “how it rides.” For those studying Business Chinese, this was more than a field exercise in language and professional knowledge. It was an in-depth look at how a Chinese company drives brand value through technological innovation, talent strategy, and cultural building.