Over the next month, as XJTLU approaches its 20th anniversary, we share personal reflections to mark the last 2 decades. From University of Liverpool staff who welcomed the first cohort of 165 students in 2006 to those still studying and shaping their future careers, explore their stories below.
Professor Tim Jones is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and reflects on the 20th anniversary.
Youmin is Executive President of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU).
Drummond was Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool and played a key role in establishing XJTLU.
Gita was previously Chief institutional moderator to overseeing the assessment and examining process at XJTLU.
Michael is a former Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool and was instrumental in establishing XJTLU.
Professor Simon Jones is Dean for Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University, and reflects on the 20th anniversary.
Kelvin Everest, was Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and played an important role in the establishment of XJTLU.
Christopher Goldring reflects on the XJTLU – University of Liverpool Joint Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics (JCPT).
Kerry has recently been appointed as Chief Institutional Moderator to ensure the assessment and examining process at XJTLU is aligned with the University of Liverpool’s.
Fei is a Reader in Architecture and Urban Design and is the lead author of the book ‘The Architecture of Suzhou’.
Zixuan is currently studying a BSc in Economics on the 2+2 programme.
Rui studied Mathematics and Finance and graduated in 2024 from the 2+2 programme.
Zherui studied Mathematics and graduated in 2024.
Yixuan graduated in 2021 with a BA in Urban Planning.
Jiahui studied Communication Studies on the 2+2 programme and graduated in 2020.
Jingyu graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Economics.
Sammy is currently studying at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) as part of the Year in China programme.
Chengxu Jiang is currently studying in Liverpool for a Bsc in Computer Science on the 2+2 programme.
Qihan is a current International Business student on the 2+2 programme.
Yuwenzi studied Environment and Planning and graduated in 2016.
Jiaqi is currently studying a BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering on the 2+2 programme.
Nancy currently studies International Relations at the University of Liverpool, expecting to graduate in 2026.
Jenna was part of the first ever cohort to go on the Year in China programme. She reflects on her time in China after revisiting Suzhou a decade later.