A group of sinologists on Thursday took part in guided tours across Shanghai that were part of the ongoing World Conference on China Studies · Shanghai Forum.

Themed "Chinese Civilization and China's Path — A Global Perspective", the Nov 23 to 24 forum has attracted about 400 sinologists from about 60 countries. They will share insights into Chinese civilization and discuss ways of helping the world better understand China during the forum.

The people attending the forum include former government officials, scholars and academic professors, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations.

Among the places they visited were Gubei Civic Center, an AI-powered canteen, the Museum of Art Pudong, special education schools, an exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, and a night cruise tour on the Huangpu River.

During the tour, Nisit Panthamit, director of the Center of ASEAN Studies at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, said he was impressed by the city's and China's development and technologies, especially in the free trade sector.

"My study about China is mostly related to its opening-up and reform. I think it is very impressive to learn things in China. China and ASEAN have been working together on matters like the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement for at least a decade. I think that is why the (development) pattern and model has to be followed and learnt from China. There are so many things that we can learn and collaborate in," said Panthamit, who was visiting Shanghai for the first time.

He also described China as a "school of development" for the world.

Armando Jiménez San Vicente, a Spanish professor in law and business analytics at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, noted that some Western countries misunderstand what China is doing today and that such a forum will be critical to helping the world better understand the country.

Hosted by China's State Council Information Office and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, and organized by the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality and Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, the forum consists of a plenary session and four sub-forums.