Doing Business in a Changing China: 2026 Summer School

For the summer of 2026, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) offers students the fantastic opportunity to experience living and studying in China. Through a unique collaboration between International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ China Studies Department, this summer school programme focuses on the dynamic business culture of China. Students will have the chance to obtain a unique insight into this fascinating country. The two-week programme is a great way to study a new topic, explore a new country and make new friends.

If you are looking for a thorough introduction to China in English at a world-renowned university, then there’s nothing better than this programme.

Course Introduction

China’s rapid economic growth and the increasing influence of China at the global level has led to the twenty-first century being described as the ‘Chinese century’. Now the world’s second largest economy, China has undergone significant economic and social changes in recent decades as a result of market-oriented reforms and globalisation. China’s impact on global affairs is growing, relating to issues such as geopolitics, artificial intelligence and digital technology, climate change, the energy crisis, and the challenges emerging from globalisation.

Understanding how and why this economic and societal transformation is happening and how this is accelerating innovative practices and technological advancement is key to understanding how this new business landscape operates. This includes the ability to identify opportunities that such disruption creates.

Doing Business in a Changing China is an opportunity to develop that understanding by studying at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), the largest international university in China, situated in Suzhou, a city that has been identified as the sixth fastest growing city in the world. The programme has been co-developed by our triple-accredited business school IBSS, and by the China Studies department, both famous for world-class research on China and its impact on global development.

Course Structure

Date: 29 June – 10 July 2026

Attendence: Onsite

Duration: Two weeks

School: International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) & China Studies

• Six lectures by academic experts on topics related to China’s history, economy, business climate, technological developments, and social structure
• Four introductory Chinese language classes
• Two visits to major cities (Suzhou and Shanghai)
• Three company visits
• Calligraphy class
• “Entrepreneurship Business Plan Project” with six interactive group sessions followed by a final “business plan” presentation

*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.

Course Evaluation

Throughout the programme, students will work on a group project and study a topic relevant for doing business in changing China. The groups will receive coaching throughout the sessions, and will present their findings to a dedicated panel of professionals and academics. During the sessions, the summer school students will also receive coaching related to career development, presentation skills and career opportunities in China.

Reward

Students who successfully complete the course and group project will receive a Certificate issued by IBSS and China Studies and herewith have easy access to the future programmes or courses offered by XJTLU.

Why Join Us in Our Summer School?

• Career coaching support
• Real Chinese business issues
• Unique insights in different industries
• Immersion in Chinese language learning
• Different cultural business contexts related to the Yangtze River Delta region of China

At the end of our two-week programme, you will have:

• deepened your understanding of the main features and processes that shape the Chinese economy and culture with a practical and business-oriented approach
• developed a strong appreciation for the challenges and benefits of either doing business with Chinese companies or working and living in this amazing country

*Each applicant is eligible for only one discount. All discounts, except the Early Bird discount, are available only for applicants who apply before 25 May 2026.

The application and tuition payment deadline for Doing Business in a Changing China: 2026 Summer School is 25 May 2026.

Applications should be submitted via the XJTLU online application system:

1. Click/tap the APPLY NOW.
2. Create an account or log in to your existing account.
3. Complete your application.

Once your application account has successfully been created, enter all the information required in the application form carefully and make sure the information you provide is correct, complete and up to date. Upload the required documents to the corresponding fields.

You may log in to view your application form at any time.

Note:

Following the instructions on the website of Study in China (the official Ministry of Education website), summer or winter camp participants should apply for and use L visa to study in China for short programme’s. Students from certain countries can also enjoy visa free* access.

For more information about such requirements, please visit: https://www.studyinchina.edu.cn/visaAssistant/visaInformation

To apply for an L visa, please visit: https://visaforchina.cn/. If you cannot find your country on the website, please visit the website of the Chinese consulate in your country.

*If China’s visa free policy applies to your nationality, you can take advantage of the policy and come to China without requiring a visa in advance. Please carefully check the duration of the visa-free period and any other stipulations on the visa section of the Chinese Embassy in your country. Note the visa-free period in China cannot be extended after arrival.

Contact Us

For further information and enquiries, please email summer@xjtlu.edu.cn.

For enquires specifically related to accommodation, pre-arrival arrangement and induction, please contact our student engagement team at global@xjtlu.edu.cn.

Useful Link

Accommodation

Pre-arrival and induction arrangement