Students from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning (ADP) completed the 2025 New Colombo Plan (NCP) China Program - an immersive three-city journey through Xi’an, Chongqing, and Tianjin that explored the intersections of urban design, digital culture, and international collaboration.
The three-week field experience, supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan and the UQ School of ADP, offered students a unique opportunity to learn from China’s rapid urban transformation and to engage directly with academic, government, and industry leaders.
A Journey Through Cities of History and Innovation
The trip began in Xi’an, China’s ancient capital and a cradle of urban civilization. UQ organisers, Dr Dan Lau, Dr Silvia Michael and Dr Paul Matthew and our students were warmly welcomed by Professor Li of Xi’an Jiaotong University, who delivered a lecture on the city’s urban development strategies. Students explored the historic old town, the iconic city walls, and contrasting new development zones - witnessing firsthand how Xi’an’s identity balances deep history with cutting-edge modernity.
Week two took the group to Chongqing, a city of extraordinary scale and dynamism. Known for its vertical landscapes and “cyberpunk” urban atmosphere, Chongqing offered a glimpse into the future of dense urban living. Students joined local architecture students from Chongqing University to study climate-responsive design and sustainability in a city shaped by topography and technology.
During their time in Chongqing, students also attended the International Symposium on Climate-Responsive Urban Design and Governance, an event that brought together academics, students, and industry experts from both Brisbane and Chongqing.
The symposium, attended by Professor Ali Cheshmehzangi, Head of UQ’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning, fostered rich dialogue on the shared challenges of climate responsiveness in urban environments. As part of the Sister City exchange, the event helped raise awareness among youth from both cities about the importance of designing resilient, sustainable urban futures.
A highlight of the week was an unexpected media encounter: students were filmed by China Central Television (CCTV) for an upcoming documentary while sharing a traditional hot pot dinner in an underground bomb shelter - a quintessentially Chongqing experience!
Celebrating 20 Years of the Brisbane-Chongqing Sister City Relationship
The visit to Chongqing carried special significance, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Brisbane and Chongqing. With the support of Brisbane City Council, the delegation was received by high-ranking officials from the Chongqing Municipal Government, representatives from the Australian Consulate-General Chengdu, Austrade, and Trade and Investment Queensland.
A formal reception marked the milestone event, where Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner shared a video message of goodwill with both cities. Students had the rare opportunity to meet and exchange insights with Mr. Zhao Shiqing, Vice Chairman of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee, reinforcing the deep and ongoing ties between the two cities.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Dan Luo, Senior Lecturer and NCP Program Coordinator, said:
“This trip allowed our students to see how cities are being redefined in the digital age - how heritage, identity, and technology coexist and influence one another. The warm reception we received in Chongqing, especially during such a meaningful anniversary, underscored the importance of international partnerships in shaping not just education, but future city-making.”
Bridging Cultures Through Design: UQ–Tianjin University Workshop
The program concluded in Tianjin, where students participated in a joint design workshop with Tianjin University’s School of Architecture. Themed “New Urban Identities in the Context of Digital Heritage and Social Networks,” the workshop challenged students to investigate how social media and digital platforms influence perceptions of urban space and heritage authenticity.
Working in mixed international teams, students analysed social media imagery, observed urban behaviour, and proposed design strategies to reimagine Tianjin’s historic districts in the age of digital culture.
Dr. Luo and Dr. Paul Matthew (UQ) collaborated with Professor Yike Hu and Associate Professor Anxiao Zhang (TJU) to deliver lectures, critiques, and field studies that encouraged students to think critically about the role of design in a hyperconnected world.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NCP China trip marked a significant milestone for UQ ADP’s growing international engagement in Asia. Beyond academic learning, the experience deepened cross-cultural understanding and strengthened institutional partnerships that will continue to foster research, collaboration, and exchange.
“Our goal is not only to learn from China’s urban innovation but also to build enduring bridges of creativity, friendship, and collaboration between our students, our cities, and our universities,” Dr. Luo said.
With the 20-year Brisbane–Chongqing sister city celebration marking a shared legacy of cooperation, the UQ ADP delegation’s journey stands as a testament to how design education can connect cultures, inspire ideas, and help shape the cities of tomorrow.
Special thanks to the Brisbane City Council, Australian Consulate-General Chengdu, Austrade, Trade and Investment Queensland, and our academic partners at Xi’an Jiaotong University, Chongqing University, and Tianjin University for their generous support and collaboration.
