Quick visit to Lanzhou: Between dual education and the Yellow River
Some trips are short but leave a lasting impression. That’s exactly what happened on my recent trip to Lanzhou, a bustling metropolis in the heart of China. The reason for my visit was a special assignment: to conduct teacher training.
Mission: The German dual system in China
My main task was to kick off an 18-day training series for around 50 teachers from various Chinese vocational schools. All participants came from the automotive sector – an industry that benefits from practical training like no other. My role was to give a comprehensive introduction to the German dual education system on the first day. It is always fascinating to see how much international interest there is in our training model.
The following 17 days of the program build on this foundation and combine further educational content with specialist theory and technical workshops. It was a pleasure to see how much interest and commitment the teachers showed. Their curiosity and willingness to discuss new concepts created an incredibly positive and productive learning atmosphere right from the start.
An evening in the metropolis of 4 million
As is often the case with business trips, there was little time for sightseeing. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to at least take a quick look at the city. After an hour’s drive from the school, we reached the center of Lanzhou.
With a population of around four million, Lanzhou is not only an impressive city, but also of great geostrategic importance as a major transportation hub along the historic Silk Road. You can feel the pulse of the city immediately. The evening on the banks of the Yellow River, which flows majestically through the city, was particularly impressive.
The night market was incredibly crowded. Thousands of people were out and about, enjoying the balmy evening air, sampling local specialties, and strolling through the alleys. The scene was similar right on the riverbank: people were sitting together everywhere, chatting, laughing, and drinking beer—a wonderfully lively and relaxed atmosphere that was a perfect contrast to the intense workday.
This short excursion was the perfect end to a successful business trip—a great mix of professional exchange and immersion in another culture.
