PolyU and Xi’an Jiaotong University jointly establish Patriotic Education Base to enhance students’ sense of national pride

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is actively supporting the Nation’s efforts to promote patriotic education and foster national spirit. Recently, PolyU and Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) announced their collaboration to jointly establish “The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Patriotic Education Base (Xi’an)” (the Base). As the first university in Hong Kong to set up a demonstration base for patriotic education in Chinese Mainland, PolyU will share resources and complement the strengths of XJTU to nurture socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective, benefiting the society and contributing to the Nation.

An unveiling ceremony was held in Xi’an and jointly officiated by Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. LU Jianjun, Secretary of the CPC Xi’an Jiaotong University Committee; Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU; and Prof. SHAN Zhiwei, Vice-President of XJTU. The ceremony was moderated by Mr CHENG Jin, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Director of the Publicity Department, and Director of the United Front Work Department of XJTU. Prof. Jin-Guang Teng and Prof. ZHANG Liqun, President of XJTU, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the two universities to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism.

Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “As a University committed to both our Nation and Hong Kong, PolyU actively supports and aligns with national strategies, and is dedicated to advancing patriotic education. Through curriculum design and other diverse activities, our ‘Patriotic Education Base’ will enable staff and students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and to appreciate the Nation’s century-long efforts in modernisation and remarkable achievements in the new era. This will strengthen their sense of national pride and belonging to the country, empowering them to better integrate into the overall national development and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. PolyU and XJTU have a strong foundation of collaboration, with shared aspirations and complementary strengths. The two universities will surely open up new horizons together, contributing to the national goal of building China into a leading country in the areas of education, talent and technology.”

Prof. Lu Jianjun said, “The establishment of the ‘Patriotic Education Base’ is not only a deepening of the friendship between the two universities, but also an important initiative in nurturing the sense of national pride and jointly fulfilling the mission of education. Looking ahead, I hope both universities will keep the Nation’s priorities in mind and continue to deepen cooperation in talent cultivation, collaborative research, and cultural exchange, cultivating a new generation that is capable of shouldering the responsibility of national rejuvenation. At the same time, I look forward to both universities leveraging Hong Kong as a bridge to jointly build a world-class hub for industry–education collaboration, contributing wisdom and strength to further develop China into a great country and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

PolyU and XJTU have cooperated for over 20 years, with the joint establishment of the Patriotic Education Base marking a new milestone in their partnership. Both universities will each set up a dedicated task force to jointly advance the development of the Base, and establish a teaching centre at their jointly built “Xi’an Tongli International College”, which will serve as a regular teaching site to conduct teaching, seminars and field study activities.

Currently, PolyU undergraduate students are required to complete General University Requirements which include Cluster-Area Requirements subjects in Chinese history and culture. Overseas field studies will be integrated into the curriculum framework, leveraging the advantages of the Base to organise student visits to Xi’an and regions along the Belt and Road for experiential learning. During these field visits, students will explore topics such as national history, technological development and cultural heritage, fulfilling their credit requirements. The course is designed and taught by PolyU professors, with XJTU professors invited to provide academic input and guest lectures, offering a well-rounded learning experience that combines classroom teaching with practical application.

To promote the integrated development of education, technology and talents, the Base will deeply embed a culture of research guided by national strategic needs. It will leverage the strengths of both PolyU and XJTU to deepen research collaboration in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and new materials. Both universities will share research resources and platforms, encourage student exchanges and learning, and facilitate the joint creation and sharing of research achievements.

PolyU is committed to nurturing students’ sense of social responsibility and practical capability and is the first university in Hong Kong to make academic Service-Learning a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students. Since 2014, the University has offered Service-Learning subjects in Chinese Mainland, including in Xi’an, with students participating in projects in community building, educational tutoring and rural development. Building on this foundation, the Base will organise student participation in Service-Learning projects and design immersive study routes that leverage Xi’an’s rich historical sites and its cultural and technological venues, thereby deepening students’ sense of national pride. In addition, the Base will host national studies courses for the youth of Hong Kong and Macao, offering a national education learning experience that combines thematic lectures, field visits and exchanges, and integrates learning of Xi’an’s historical culture as well as of its modern development.

The establishment of the Base is supported by the Central Government, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and local government in Chinese Mainland, providing a strong foundation for its long-term development and building a bridge for mutual learning between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland youth. PolyU is preparing its first student delegation for a visit to Xi’an in spring 2026. The delegation will tour the Base and engage with local scholars, students and enterprises in areas such as technological innovation, sports and the arts, aiming to broaden participants’ horizons and deepen their understanding of national development.

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