From the bustling streets of San Sebastián, Spain, to the historic charm of Beijing, the Deusto MBA Program students from Spain, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and the U.S. recently visited The Beijing Center (TBC). This week-long experience offered not only cultural immersion and professional insights into doing business in China but also unforgettable adventures that seemed pulled straight from a travel blogger’s bucket list. Traveling to China offers far more than simple sightseeing. It’s a whirlwind of adventure, surprises, and slight panic when you realize cash is practically extinct here. Credit cards? Forget it. WeChat Pay and Alipay rule the payment universe. While navigating these apps can be daunting, the Deusto students adapted quickly, overcoming challenges with curiosity.
The journey began with a warm welcome at TBC, where students sampled campus life and learned essential phrases in a Survival Chinese Class—words and expressions they continued to use throughout the trip. They dove deep into understanding China’s rapidly evolving economy through a curriculum tailored for them. Expert lectures included Chinese Culture by Prof. David Moser, China’s Economic Rise by Prof. Timothy Bian, Doing Business in China by Prof. Narisa Dai, Overview of the Chinese Economy by Prof. Dou Ding, and Leadership in Chinese Organizations by Prof. Shimin Liu. This curriculum was tailor-made by TBC to offer valuable insights into China’s business environment, emphasizing cultural nuances and their influence on professional interactions.
After exploring China’s business customs, the students shifted their focus to immerse themselves in Beijing’s cultural heritage. They participated in company visits to Shougang Yuan, an abandoned steel factory that has been transformed into an Olympic park, and ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind Douyin, which is China’s version of TikTok. These visits showcased China’s unique blend of innovation, guanxi (relationships), and efficiency, providing a firsthand glimpse into how businesses thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
The real adventure began when the students hopped into rickshaws to explore the Houhai Hutong Area and Drum tower. They then practiced their artistic skills during a snuff bottle painting session with a local family. Several students reflected on the patience and persistence required for this intricate craft. Later we visited Tian’anmen Square, the largest square in the world, and the Forbidden City, which is considered one of the most famous palaces in the history of China and remains the largest well-preserved royal palace complex in existence today. The large scale of these landmarks really impressed the students.
No visit to China is complete without a trek along the Great Wall, and the Mutianyu section delivered breathtaking views. Students climbed, and marveled at the wall’s immensity, with one commenting on how hard it was to comprehend its true scale until seeing it firsthand. They also practiced Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven, where students focused on aligning the mind and body. Before the class, Prof. Hao taught about the Chinese philosophy of Tai Chi and the concept of duality in Chinese culture. This conversation kept being brought up as students compared Chinese traditions with their own cultural norms.
Beijing surprised everyone with its tech-first lifestyle. Forget digging for cash or swiping cards—QR codes are king here. Whether grabbing tea, paying for taxis, or even buying a souvenir at a market, students were amazed by how smooth everything seemed. The efficiency and affordability of taxis also left a strong impression, contrasting sharply with systems back home. From historical wonders to cutting-edge innovations, Beijing delivered an unforgettable experience for the Deusto MBA cohort. They left with cultural curiosity, professional takeaways, and admiration for China’s ability to blend its rich traditions with digital efficiency. Whether through hutongs or QR codes, the city left a lasting impression.
To future travelers: bring curiosity, an open mind, and—most importantly—a power bank to help you navigate a world driven by technology. This immersive experience not only expanded their understanding of China’s economy and culture but also equipped them with the adaptability and insights needed to thrive in an interconnected global business landscape.
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