"Perceiving China - Academic Exchange Program on the Yangtze River Ecological Environment Protection in Chongqing" was successfully organized by the College of Environment and Ecology (CEE) at Chongqing University (CQU) via MOE Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area’s Eco-environment (MoEKLoTGRAE), from 29^thto 30^thJune 2024. This program was also co-supported by the Chongqing Water and Environment Holding Group Ltd (CQWEH) and Chongqing Society for Environmental Sciences. More than 20 international students and visiting scholars with 9 nationalities from 12 universities participated this program

The opening ceremony and seminar were held in the Environment Hall on Campus B at Chongqing University on 29^th’s morning. Ms. CHEN Ying, deputy director of the CQU Centre of International Students Mobility Service delivered the opening speech on behalf of the University. Professor Yang Chun, Vice Dean of the College of Environment and Ecology, then systematically introduced the CEE and the MoEKLoTGRAE. Ms. XIE Jingli showed the achievements obtained byCQWEH in water and environment pollution control practices. Professor YANG Yi, Dr. CHEN Zhongli, Dr. Muhammad Salam from CQU, PhD student Le Thi Thuy Nhi from Beijing Institute of Technology, and Dr. Samir Gadow from the Environmental Microbiology at the National Research Centre of Egyptshared their cutting-edge scientific researches and their experiences in China.

Field trips to Tangjiatuo Sewage Treatment Works (TSTWs), Guangyang Island and Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum (CCTGM) were arranged on 29^th’s afternoon and 30^th’s morning. At the TSTWs, participants walked along the entire treatment process and saw the treated wastewater flow into the Yangtze River with discharging consent. They discussed the academic, technical and management issues with the manager of the TSTWs during their visit. At the Guangyang Island on Yangtze River, the international students experienced the beautiful scenery of harmonious coexistence between human and nature created by the successful eco-restoration of this Island. During the visit of CCTGM, all the participants were absorbed by the long history and plenty of antiques in Chongqing Three Gorges Area, as well as the great work of local people in the construction of Three Gorges Projects and the protection of water environment of the Yangtze River.

This program was part of the"Perceiving China - Academic Month" series activities organized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). It systematically presented the significant achievements in fundamental research, technological development, engineering application and governance efficacy in the protection of the Yangtze River, especially in the Three Gorges Reservoir’s Area, to the international students. This successful organization of this program may enhance the international influence of the CEE, and contribute to the "Study at Chongqing University", thus increase the international influence of Chongqing University.