Chongqing - In a vibrant celebration of international education and cross-cultural exchange, the 2026 "Study in Chongqing" Brand Promotion convened on April 17 at Southwest University, officially inaugurating the global enrollment campaign for the upcoming academic year.

2026 "Study in Chongqing" Brand Promotion convened on April 17 at Southwest University. (Photo/Southwest University)

The event, themed "Gathering in Chongqing, Learning for the World," brought together approximately 200 distinguished attendees, including representatives from the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Chongqing Municipality. The diplomatic corps was well represented by consular officials from Hungary, Italy, Canada, and Myanmar, among others. Also in attendance were delegations from domestic and international universities - notably a senior team from Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages - along with corporate partners, alumni, and current faculty and students.

The event brought together approximately 200 distinguished attendees. (Photo/Southwest University)

The proceedings opened with a compelling fusion of Chinese dance, opera, and martial arts performed jointly by Chinese and international students. This was followed by a spirited dance medley presented by students from Russia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand. In a highlight of the program, each performer offered a personal "one-sentence promotion" of Chongqing, describing the city as both a welcoming second home and a gateway to contemporary China.

Performances presented by international students. (Photo/Southwest University)

Jin Ling, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, detailed the municipality‘s formidable educational infrastructure: 80 higher education institutions, 43 national-level research platforms, and 86 academic disciplines ranked within the top one percent globally by Essential Science Indicators (ESI). "Since the brand’s launch, the number of international youth coming to Chongqing for study and exchange has increased from 8,000 to over 10,000 in 2025," Jin stated. "We are committed to offering a more competitive educational experience, a more international environment for growth, and deeper opportunities for people-to-people connectivity."

Jin Ling, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Education Commission. (Photo/Southwest University)

Bian Minggao, Second-Level Inspector of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, positioned "Study in Chongqing" as a key pillar of the "China: An Opportunity, Chongqing Brands" global outreach initiative. He outlined a vision for enhanced global reach, youth-driven cultural diplomacy, and a nuanced presentation of contemporary China through the city’s unique lens.

Bian Minggao, Second-Level Inspector of the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee. (Photo/Southwest University)

Bui Nguyen Long, Consul General of Viet Nam in Chongqing, underscored the initiative's strategic importance in fortifying educational ties between Viet Nam and China. He voiced strong support for expanded university collaborations and increased youth exchanges facilitated by the "Study in Chongqing" platform.

Bui Nguyen Long, Consul General of Viet Nam in Chongqing. (Photo/Southwest University)

Tatyana Seryozhkina, Vice President of Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, highlighted the robust educational partnership between Kazakhstan and China. She noted that 327 Kazakh students are currently enrolled across 16 universities in Chongqing. "Our decade-long collaboration with Southwest University -anchored by our joint Confucius Institute and the '1+2+1' dual-degree program - stands as a model for international educational cooperation," she remarked.

Tatyana Seryozhkina, Vice President of Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages. (Photo/Southwest University)

Zhao Yufang, Vice President of Southwest University, reaffirmed Southwest University’s leading role in international education, noting that in 2025 the university welcomed 2,132 international students from 90 countries, the largest cohort in Chongqing. 

Zhao Yufang, Vice President of Southwest University. (Photo/Southwest University)

The promotion culminated with a ceremonial countdown as distinguished guests activated a launch mechanism, sending plumes of colorful smoke skyward and formally initiating the 2026 "Study in Chongqing" global admissions drive. The Southwest University Wuzhou Choir closed the event with a resonant performance.

The promotion culminated with a ceremonial countdown. (Photo/Southwest University)

The venue also featured an exhibition of outstanding international alumni and a cultural fair with interactive pavilions representing 23 nations, offering attendees an immersive glimpse into Chongqing’s multicultural campus life.

The venue also featured a cultural fair with interactive pavilions representing 23 nations. (Photo/Southwest University)