Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (XJTLU) is a new international university jointly founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University China and the University of Liverpool UK as a joint venture. As an independent Sino-Foreign cooperative university, it captures the essence of both prestigious parent universities and is the first and only one of its kind approved by the Ministry of Education in China.

The University offers undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of science, engineering and management, and awards both its own Chinese degree and a degree from the University of Liverpool.

Overview

For the summer of 2026, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) offers students the fantastic opportunity to experience living and studying in China. Through a unique collaboration between International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ China Studies Department, this summer school programme focuses on the dynamic business culture of China. Students will have the chance to obtain a unique insight into this fascinating country. The two-week programme is a great way to study a new topic, explore a new country and make new friends.

If you are looking for a thorough introduction to China in English at a world-renowned university, then there’s nothing better than this programme.

Course Introduction

China’s rapid economic growth and the increasing influence of China at the global level has led to the twenty-first century being described as the ‘Chinese century’. Now the world’s second largest economy, China has undergone significant economic and social changes in recent decades as a result of market-oriented reforms and globalisation. China’s impact on global affairs is growing, relating to issues such as geopolitics, artificial intelligence and digital technology, climate change, the energy crisis, and the challenges emerging from globalisation.

Understanding how and why this economic and societal transformation is happening and how this is accelerating innovative practices and technological advancement is key to understanding how this new business landscape operates. This includes the ability to identify opportunities that such disruption creates.

Doing Business in a Changing China is an opportunity to develop that understanding by studying at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), the largest international university in China, situated in Suzhou, a city that has been identified as the sixth fastest growing city in the world. The programme has been co-developed by our triple-accredited business school IBSS, and by the China Studies department, both famous for world-class research on China and its impact on global development.

Course Structure

Date: 29 June – 10 July 2026

Attendence: Onsite

Duration: Two weeks

School: International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) & China Studies

• Six lectures by academic experts on topics related to China’s history, economy, business climate, technological developments, and social structure
• Four introductory Chinese language classes
• Two visits to major cities (Suzhou and Shanghai)
• Three company visits
• Calligraphy class
• “Entrepreneurship Business Plan Project” with six interactive group sessions followed by a final “business plan” presentation

*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.

Course Evaluation

Throughout the programme, students will work on a group project and study a topic relevant for doing business in changing China. The groups will receive coaching throughout the sessions, and will present their findings to a dedicated panel of professionals and academics. During the sessions, the summer school students will also receive coaching related to career development, presentation skills and career opportunities in China.

Reward

Students who successfully complete the course and group project will receive a Certificate issued by IBSS and China Studies and herewith have easy access to the future programmes or courses offered by XJTLU.

Why Join Us in Our Summer School?

• Career coaching support
• Real Chinese business issues
• Unique insights in different industries
• Immersion in Chinese language learning
• Different cultural business contexts related to the Yangtze River Delta region of China

Why Choose XJTLU?

• Two Degrees: 1 from the University of Liverpool & 1 from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Bachelor's students)
• The University of Liverpool degree (Master's and PhD students)
• All degree courses are taught 100% in English.
• No knowledge of the Chinese language is required to apply to XJTLU.
• Learn free of charge Chinese alongside your course.
• A friendly international community.
• International Opportunities: "2+2" study route to the University of Liverpool, UK for undergraduate students (more than 3,500 XJTLU students are now studying at the University of Liverpool, UK through "2+2")
• International Opportunities: Wide range of study abroad opportunities in partner institutions in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, the USA, South Korea, Russia, etc.
• International Opportunities: Partnerships with multinational companies in the likes of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Siemens, KPMG, Alstom, Schneider, ICBC, etc.

About Suzhou

You have the opportunity to live in one of the most culturally rich areas of China, with Suzhou’s UNESCO World Heritage gardens and canals famous around the world.

Suzhou combines its rich 2,500-year-old history with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China. It has a population of more than six million and a GDP of a trillion RMB – far larger than those of many entire countries!

Alongside its beautiful tourist spots, Suzhou has many excellent learning resources and sports facilities, a great choice of shopping malls, cinemas and restaurants, and a variety of bars and nightclubs.

Today, the city’s canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000.

Suzhou is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Within Suzhou is Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most competitive development zones in China. This area also contains the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (home to XJTLU), which sits beside Dushu Lake, one of two lakes in SIP.

Central Shanghai can be reached from Suzhou in just 30 minutes by high-speed train.

Library

XJTLU students have access to a wide range of library resources, from books and journals to electronic databases and articles. The library plays a key role as a research support and learning centre for the University, developing its collection by focusing on subject development and research requirements.

The library currently holds over 500,000 books, which are added to and updated throughout the year in response to requests from academic departments. It provides 22,000 square metres of space, housing 300 PCs and 2,500 seats for studying, discussion and computer and studio work.

Campuses

North Campus

Full of striking, architecturally impressive buildings, our North Campus provides state-of-the art teaching, laboratory, research and support facilities. This includes the award-winning and iconic Central Building, which houses our library.

The campus also has sports facilities, world class-fully equipped science and engineering laboratories, International Business School Suzhou, and design studios, as well as a variety of catering facilities, including Subway, Pacific Coffee Company, and many canteen-style fast-food options.

Landscaped gardens complement pieces of modern art to create a campus environment that has become one of the striking features of Suzhou Industrial Park.

South Campus

The first phase of our South Campus was opened to the public on 26 July 2016, as a major part of the University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Architecturally it contrasts our North Campus and features modern designs that complement the surrounding area. Eventually, the South Campus will satisfy the learning and teaching needs of approximately 6,000 XJTLU students as well as the University’s academic exchanges and research development plans. It will consist of eight buildings and be developed over two further phases:

Phase II: International Business School Suzhou at XJTLU

This phase will see the completion of a new building for International Business School Suzhou, set to open by the end of 2017.

PHASE III: XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and XJTLU Gym

Phase III consists of two buildings – the construction of the XJTLU-GF School of Film and Television Arts and a gym. Both buildings are expected to open by the end of 2018. The development of the School, in collaboration with financial services provider Gold Finance Group, is a significant part of XJTLU’s academic development strategy. It will mix digital media arts and film and television production and technology with performance and acting. The gym will provide improved and diversified sports facilities for students and staff on campus.

Living in University

When you come to XJTLU, you will have the opportunity to try a whole range of different sports and activities as well as developing any existing skills you already have.

Student clubs and societies

Student clubs and societies play an important part of student life. XJTLU has many organisations with themes such as art, sports, music, entrepreneurship, dance to name but a few. Some of the more established groups include a Model United Nations and the Student Union.

Another society, Intercom, provides a platform for all international students to arrange activities and events, and share ideas and experiences with the wider student body.

Catering

3 canteens, 3 coffee shops, Bar, Restaurants

Sports 

Currently, 21 sports are offered through PE classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and yoga.

We have outside sport facilities that include basketball and tennis courts as well as indoor facilities, such as a golf training venue, gym, dance room, and table tennis room. There is also a football field located next to the new South Campus.