On September 1st, the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cultural Festival of Hangzhou City University and the University of Verona Hangzhou Academic & Cultural Exchange Program.

（Dong Yue, chairman of the University Counsil, announced the kickoff of the 2025 International Cultural Festival of Hangzhou City University and the University of Verona Hangzhou Academic & Cultural Exchange Program）

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, and also the 6th anniversary of the partnership between Hangzhou and Verona. The friendship between these two "Cities of Love" has already borne rich fruit in areas such as cultural heritage protection and economic trade exhibitions. Vice President Jin Tao, from Hangzhou City University (HZCU), delivered a speech outlining the cooperation between HZCU and the University of Verona. He stated that this study program is not merely a cultural "encounter" but also a journey of "mutual growth," building a bridge of understanding for Chinese and Italian youth. Through cultural exchange, they will learn from each other and grow together, injecting new vitality into the friendly relations between China and Italy, and contributing youthful strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Professor Roberta Facchinetti, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures at the University of Verona, expressed that this event is a vivid embodiment of academic and cultural exchange between the two universities, and clear evidence of their sincere cooperation and profound friendship. She looks forward to using this study program as a starting point for deeper collaboration between the institutions.

During the launch ceremony, student representatives from China and Italy placed puzzle pieces symbolizing the friendship between the two countries into a base. As the Chinese character "中" (Zhōng), featuring Hangzhou landmarks, and the character "意" (Yì), incorporating Italian elements, were put into place, a butterfly transformed from the number "55" fluttered down—together forming a complete picture of "China-Italy Integration," representing the profound friendship of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The connection of "中" and "意" also symbolizes "affection and appreciation," a vivid portrayal of the relationship between the two universities, the two cities, and the two nations.