Students, local officials, and enterprise representatives pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony on July 3. [Photo/longhoo.net]

The students also expressed their gratitude to the local government.

“I’m glad to visit Nanjing, and I hope to learn more about the city’s history and culture,” said Elisa Delahaye, a second year student from the University of Paris 1 in France.

Organized by the Nanjing municipal government, the program invited Chinese and overseas students to get into pairs and enjoy a tour around the city from July 3 to 16.

They will visit several government offices, leading enterprises, and renowned tourist spots such as the Confucius Temple and Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum.