On September 25, the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo grandly opened at the Hangzhou International Expo Center. As a Provincial key Area Studies Center, our university was invited to organize a faculty-student volunteer team to actively participate in the event’s service and support operations, becoming a distinctive highlight at the venue.
During the expo, volunteers leveraged their outstanding language proficiency and solid professional competencies to undertake critical roles including foreign guest reception, venue guidance, and conference check-in, providing end-to-end services for attendees. Their meticulous and thoughtful support ensured smooth operations across all segments of the event.
Integrating classroom knowledge with on-site practice, volunteers also offered supplementary explanations and live commentary, helping guests gain firsthand insight into the vibrant momentum of digital trade and China’s remarkable achievements in technological advancement and high-level opening up. Attendees expressed that the expo gave them a more intuitive understanding of global digital trade trends and allowed them to witness China’s proactive role in promoting digital innovation and international cooperation. They extended sincere appreciation for the volunteers’ warm and professional service.
The 4th Global Digital Trade Expo is China’s only national-level, international, and specialized exhibition centered on digital trade. This year’s “Silk Road E-commerce Day” adopted a “3+1+1+1” model to build a multidimensional exchange platform. The core events, launch ceremony of “Silk Road E-commerce Day” and the Silk Road E-commerce Cooperation Resource Matching Session, gathered numerous representatives from government, business, and academia across China and abroad.
Volunteer Reflections
Guest Reception – Chen Guoxiang: “I feel deeply honored to participate in the volunteer service for the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo. When I made introductions in fluent English and saw foreign guests’ initial unfamiliarity turn into knowing smiles, I truly realized that language is a bridge connecting the world. After our duties, we toured the expo halls—the vision in the ‘Global Digital Trade Constellation 2035 Plan’ of lunar robots enabling ‘scan-to-pay’ on extraterrestrial bodies was astonishing. As foreign language learners, we not only witness the development of digital trade but also serve as bridges linking China with the world. I will continue to strengthen my language skills and expand my knowledge of digital trade to contribute youthful energy to global economic cooperation.”
Guest Reception – Zhou Rui: “This volunteering experience taught me that the warmth of the world lies in genuine communication. At first, I felt both excited and nervous, but the gentle demeanor of foreign guests instantly eased my anxiety. They listened attentively to my introductions and even kindly asked me to take photos with them. While assisting with their schedules and accompanying them throughout, I found that boundaries of nationality and status were quietly dissolved through natural interaction. This experience made me realize that mutual understanding and respect are the true bridges across cultural differences—just as the expo conveys: let Silk Road connections endure, and let the world’s warmth be seen.”
Venue Guidance – Xia He: “It was a great honor to serve at this large-scale, high-profile expo. My main tasks lie in guiding guests and responding to their needs. Every ‘Thank you’ reminded me of the value of service. Even a simple greeting along the way could help non-English-speaking guests feel at ease. The smiles on the faces of all visitors filled me with joy. In just two days, I witnessed the rapid advancement of digital and intelligent trade, the friendliness of international collaboration, and the sincerity of volunteer spirit—making this experience truly meaningful.”
(Correspondent: Pan Yuhang Editor: Che Peng)
