Chongqing - More than 70 international students and faculty advisors from 15 countries gathered in Chongqing on July 11–12 for a two-day social practice program titled “Experiencing China — Exploring Haifu Technology · Sensing China’s Smart Manufacturing.” The delegation represented seven universities: Sichuan University, Kunming Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Southwest Medical University, North Sichuan Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, and Chongqing Medical University.
Students pose for a group photo at the library of Chongqing Medical University’s Yuanjiagang Campus. (Photo provided by Chongqing Medical University)
The visit to the Haifu Technology Industrial Park served as the centerpiece of the program. Students toured the exhibition hall and production facilities, gaining a systematic understanding of the research and development history of focused ultrasound technology, its global clinical applications, and core equipment models. Through expert lectures and interactive Q&A sessions, they explored the medical philosophy of “treating while minimizing harm to the patient” — a guiding principle that has driven Haifu’s innovation for over three decades.
During a hands-on demonstration, the students witnessed the core principle of focused ultrasound: ultrasonic waves precisely target the lesion while leaving surrounding tissues completely unaffected. Ammar Abdulaziz, a PhD student in neurology from Yemen studying at Sichuan University, described the experience: “At first, I didn’t understand how focused technology could precisely target a tumor ten centimeters deep without affecting the tissue in between. Then I placed my hand in the middle — the glass plate kept heating up, but I felt nothing at all. It was truly astonishing.” He added that the technology is both effective and safe, representing the future direction of medicine, and expressed hope for its application in neurological diseases.
International students experience the treatment principle of focused ultrasound firsthand. (Photo provided by Chongqing Medical University)
AZIZBEKOVA TOJINISO, an international student from Tajikistan at Zunyi Medical University, said: “Haifu technology can treat many diseases without damaging other parts of the body. I sincerely hope this technology can also be introduced to my home country.” Ruchika Yadav, an Indian student from Southwest Medical University, echoed the sentiment: “We often talk about China’s high-speed rail and drones as remarkable achievements, but today’s technology that can treat diseases without surgery — that’s truly unbelievable.”
From “Excision” to “Ablation”: Chinese Innovation Sets Global Standards
Haifu technology originated from more than 30 years of continuous research by Professor Wang Zhibiao’s team at Chongqing Medical University. In 1999, the team developed the world’s first large-scale medical device with fully independent intellectual property rights — the Haifu® Focused Ultrasound Tumor Therapeutic System — achieving a breakthrough “from 0 to 1” in the field. In 2020, the system was permanently collected by the National Museum of China as a landmark testament to the nation’s independent innovation.
To date, Haifu equipment has been exported to 37 countries and regions worldwide, providing organ-preserving treatment for more than 360,000 patients with benign and malignant solid tumors. As the global technological source in the field of focused ultrasound therapy, Haifu has more than 100 focused ultrasound indications either in clinical application or under research.
Students view the Haifu Focused Ultrasound Tumor Therapeutic System. (Photo provided by Chongqing Medical University)
In early 2025, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation — a leading non-governmental organization in the field — designated Chongqing Haifu Hospital as its 13th global Center of Excellence and the first in China, placing it alongside institutions such as the University of Oxford and Stanford University. The Foundation’s chairman, Dr. Neal F. Kassell, praised the hospital as “a global leader” whose “commitment to clinical research, innovative applications, and positive patient outcomes represents the future of modern healthcare”.
Beyond the Technology: Culture, Cuisine, and Chongqing’s Modern Spirit
Over the two days, the international students visited Chongqing Medical University’s Yuanjiagang Campus, where they experienced the academic heritage of an institution that shares roots with Fudan University Shanghai Medical College. They strolled through the thousand-year-old ancient town of Ciqikou, tried on traditional Hanfu clothing, and immersed themselves in Ba-Yu folk customs. They also enjoyed authentic Chongqing hotpot, watched a spectacular city drone light show, and took a night cruise at Hongya Cave — forming a vivid impression of Chongqing’s unique blend of traditional charm and modern vitality.
Building Bridges Through Medical Innovation
Wang Lianglan, Deputy Dean of the School of International Education at Chongqing Medical University, noted during the event that Haifu technology exemplifies integrated “industry-academia-research-application” development. She expressed hope that students from various countries would use medicine as a bridge to deepen inter-university collaboration and industry-education integration, jointly advancing the global development of minimally and non-invasive medicine.
Wang Lianglan, Deputy Dean of the School of International Education at Chongqing Medical University, addresses the event. (Photo provided by Chongqing Medical University)
She also introduced that Chongqing Medical University will continue to organize community free clinics, internships at community hospitals, and grassroots medical observations for international students, incorporating Haifu technology visits and community healthcare experiences into the practical curriculum. “We hope to let international students understand China’s achievements in both high-end medical technology and grassroots inclusive healthcare — from cutting-edge innovative minimally/non-invasive technologies to warm, people-centered medical services that cover the entire population”.
“Experiencing China” is a national brand project for social practice and cultural experience activities for Chinese Government Scholarship students, designed to help international students gain a deeper understanding of a real, three-dimensional, and comprehensive China. This event, hosted by Chongqing Medical University, is one of the 2026 “Experiencing China” special activities. It provided a high-quality platform for international students to experience China’s advanced medical technology while promoting medical and cultural exchanges between China and other countries through inter-university collaboration and industry-education integration.
(Yang Jinxing, as a reporter, also contributed to this article.)