Global School Leaders Gather in Xi’an to Advance Chinese-Language Education

October’s golden autumn welcomed distinguished guests from around the world.

From 26 to 31 October 2026, at the invitation of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Global Association of Cultural and Educational Exchange (GACEE) — with Xi’an Huanke International Travel Agency as the implementing partner — successfully held the ‘Shared Script, Shared Future’ high-level study tour for global school leaders in Xi’an. Education leaders from 56 schools across more than 20 countries and regions gathered in ancient Chang’an to explore innovative pathways for Chinese-language education grounded in China’s 5,000-year civilisation, deepen international educational exchange, and forge new models of transnational cooperation.

I. Tracing Civilisational Roots: Experiencing China Through Its Time-Honoured Heritage

The six-day, five-night programme followed a progressive itinerary integrating cultural exploration, academic dialogue, industry visits, and exchanges with leading institutions. Participants delved into the historical roots of Chinese civilisation while observing practical innovations in education, science and technology, and culture-tourism integration. The delegation visited the Museum of Chinese Bronze Art, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Huaqing Palace, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi’an Jiaotong University — experiencing China’s openness and inclusiveness and witnessing how tradition converges with modernity.

II. Chinese-Language Education in the AI Era: A Global Dialogue on Innovation

On 29 October, the High-Level Global School Leaders Forum was held successfully. Education leaders and principals from diverse countries convened to discuss opportunities, innovative approaches, and international collaboration for Chinese-language education in the age of artificial intelligence.

The GACEE Secretary-General announced the official launch of the GACEE AI Digital Portal and outlined key priorities for 2027. Dr Cai, GACEE’s specially appointed expert, delivered a keynote address titled ‘Challenges and Opportunities for Chinese-Language Education in the AI Era’, analysing multi-dimensional pathways for transforming Chinese-language teaching. GACEE’s technical experts demonstrated how AI enhances Mandarin instruction and improves learning experiences — drawing wide attention. Mr Kong, a 77th-generation descendant of Confucius, introduced the Future Academy initiative, designed to guide young learners in grasping the core wisdom and cultural essence of classical Chinese texts.

School leaders from over 20 countries shared their experiences, challenges, and innovative practices in cross-cultural Chinese-language teaching. Discussions were lively and rich in perspective — reflecting the diversity and expansive potential of global Chinese-language education.

III. From Xi’an Forward: Launching GACEE’s 2027 Global Education Cooperation Agenda

Looking ahead to 2027, GACEE will prioritise the following initiatives:

01｜AI-Powered Chinese Language Education
Pilot the overseas rollout of the ‘Shared Script, Shared Future’ AI-powered online Chinese-learning platform, beginning in Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and selected African countries — leveraging AI to enhance teaching efficiency.

02｜Global Chinese-Language Competitions
Host the third World Chinese Essay Competition and ‘World Youth Speak Chinese’, establishing platforms for global youth to express themselves in Chinese and engage in intercultural exchange.

03｜International Study Tours and Cultural Exchange
Expand international study tours, university preparatory programmes, and arts-and-culture exchange activities — promoting school-to-school visits, co-developed curricula, and two-way student mobility.

04｜Future Academy
Integrating classical Chinese texts with global perspectives, the Future Academy aims to cultivate young learners’ abilities to deconstruct language and trace textual origins — grounding them culturally while equipping them for the future.

IV. Shared Script, Shared Future: Connecting Education Across Borders

This journey to Xi’an was not only a cultural homecoming but also a forward-looking exploration of international educational cooperation. GACEE remains committed to bridging China’s fine traditional culture, cutting-edge digital technologies, and global Chinese-language education practice — building a pragmatic platform for mutual learning, resource sharing, and win-win collaboration among educators worldwide, and advancing Chinese culture globally.

Shared script, borderless education.

Let us depart from Xi’an — sustaining exchange, enabling collaboration, and empowering more children with broader futures!

Global Association of Cultural and Educational Exchange (GACEE)
November 2026