ShanghaiTech University Boat Club visits the University of Oxford for a joint training

ON2025-07-11TAG: ShanghaiTech UniversityCATEGORY: Global

The delegation of ShanghaiTech University Boat Club visited the University of Oxford for a program of water training and cultural exchange from June 21 to 27, marking the beginning of a new chapter in sports collaboration between ShanghaiTech and top universities worldwide.


ShanghaiTech Boat Club members visits Jesus and Keble Boathouse on the bank of River Thames.


Early morning sunlight bathes the River Thames as the ShanghaiTech Boat Club conducts joint training with the Jesus College Boat Club (JCBC). The boats race along the 2-kilometer training course, creating a vibrant scene alongside other Oxford college training boats.


ShanghaiTech students work together to carry the boat.


Xie Yijun, an undergraduate rower from Kedao College, was deeply impressed by Oxford’s rigorous rowing culture. “What struck me most was everyone’s focus. They treat every training session as seriously as a competition.”

On the River Thames, the ShanghaiTech rowing team (front) competes in a friendly chase race against a mixed team of four rowers from each university (rear).
 

“We communicated confidently and shared experiences, which was the greatest reward of the joint training,” said Wang Yibo, a graduate student from the School of Physical Science and Technology and captain of the ShanghaiTech rowing team, reflecting on the exchange.

Wang Yibo (center) engages in conversation with an Oxford team member (right).
ShanghaiTech team members pose for a group photo with JCBC members after the race.


The intensive training quickly brought the two teams closer together, and the mutual gift-giving reflecting deep bonds.

The ShanghaiTech delegation presents a commemorative porcelain plate to the JCBC.


Liu Kaixin, an undergraduate rower from Dadao College, created a woodblock print titled “Exciting Rowing” (a pun on “Yike Saiting” in Chinese, meaning both “rowable” and “exciting”) depicting a boat with two paddles intercrossing in the middle. The team signed the artwork and gifted it to JCBC, symbolizing the passion of rowing.


Hai Xiaowen, an undergraduate rower from Shangdao College, shared reflections. “The genuine friendships we built with the students made this trip more than just training—it became a cherished memory of youth.”


Hu Yu, a graduate rower from the School of Information Science and Technology (right), exchanges team uniforms with JCBC president Columbus Layton (left) as a memento.


Team members tour the interior of Jesus College, experiencing the academic atmosphere and architectural beauty of the historic institution.


Coach Li Xiang summarized the trip’s insights. “A friendly atmosphere and a relaxed mindset create excellent rowers. Progress itself is the positive feedback.”
All delegation members expressed their gratitude. “We are thankful to the university for providing this opportunity, allowing us to experience the charm of diverse cultures during our first trip to the UK.”