Business School students embarked on a week-long study trip to China last week, visiting Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Organized by members of Stanford’s Greater China Business Club, participants had the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and interact with top government and business officials.

The Shanghai Daily News reported on Jan. 4 that Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng met the delegation from Stanford at the Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel during their visit. According to the article, the students discussed Shanghai’s social and economic development with the mayor.

“Shanghai is open to the talents of Stanford students upon their graduation,” Zheng said.

The mayor’s vision for increased cooperation between Stanford and China mirrors the University’s own emphasis on heightened relations. President John Hennessy is in China this week visiting with alumni in Hong Kong.

“We continue to look at new programs in China, as well as in India,” he said.

Every year groups of 25 to 30 business students apply for trips to foreign countries, said Andrea Robisheau, Assistant Director of Student Life for the Business School. This year there were a record number of applicants, especially for the trips to China and India.

“In the future we plan to expand our study trips program, and continue to emphasize international business. We will have at least one trip to China per year,” Robisheau said. “There is a lot of interest on the part of students in US-China relations.”