To deepen the integration of industry and education, forge a bridge between theory and practice, and broaden business students’ industry perspectives and professional understanding, CUFE Business School organized a Financial Practice and Industrial Innovation Study Tour on January 7, 2026, in collaboration with Bank of China Beijing Branch, Bank of China Embassy District Sub-branch, and Harvest Fund Management Co., Ltd. More than 60 faculty members and students from the Business School participated in the event. The delegation visited benchmark enterprises including the ZEEKR Flagship Center, Harvest Fund, and the Xiaomi Automobile Factory. Through diversified formats combining “site visits + sharing sessions + ideological and political education,” participants explored the development dynamics and the underlying logic of financial empowerment behind industries such as new energy vehicles, financial services, and intelligent manufacturing, achieving a comprehensive study experience spanning from the industrial frontline to the financial frontier.
Participants attending the event included Yang Zhongying, Deputy Director of Business School Committee; Professor Gao Yongling, Director of the Industry–Education Integration Program and faculty member of the Department of Supply Chain and Operations Management; Professor An Hexin from the Department of Marketing; Qi Yan, Director of the Graduate Affairs Office; Guo Xiaokun, Director of the Office of International Cooperation; Dong Shuo, Executive Director of the Career Development Center; and Liu Bojiang, Deputy Secretary of the Communist Youth League Committee. Representatives from Bank of China Embassy District Sub-branch included Li Baiyang, Deputy President; Ruan Zheng, Director of the Personal Finance Department; Wang Yan, Deputy Director of the Personal Finance Department; Li Bo, Client Manager of the Personal Finance Department; and Zhang Fan, Client Manager of the Business Department. Representatives from Harvest Fund included Hu Hongfeng, General Manager of the Beijing Region; Cheng Wenfeng, Deputy General Manager; and Dong Wenkang, Channel Manager and alumnus of the Business School Class of 2023. Enterprise representatives also included Li Wei, Head of the Beijing Marketing Department of the ZEEKR Flagship Center, and An Zixuan, Supply Chain Management Specialist at the Xiaomi Automobile Factory and alumnus of the Business School Class of 2025.
Decoding ZEEKR:
Dual Innovation in Technology Empowerment and Business Models
At the first stop of the study tour, faculty members and students arrived at the ZEEKR Flagship Center, where Li Wei, Head of the Beijing Marketing Department, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. Through Li Wei’s professional introduction, participants gained a deeper understanding of the origin and core meaning behind the ZEEKR brand name: “Z” represents starting from zero, “E” symbolizes electrification, and “KR” derives from the element krypton. Together, these elements embody the brand’s commitment to pursuing excellence while reflecting its mission in the pure electric mobility era. As an independent brand within the Geely Group ecosystem, ZEEKR has established a complete system covering research and development, production, and sales.
During the product and technology session, Li Wei introduced ZEEKR’s core vehicle models and highlighted innovative breakthroughs in super hybrid technology, which effectively address the traditional limitation often described as “strong performance with battery power but weak performance without it.” ZEEKR’s deep investment in mechanical engineering also left a strong impression, reflecting its commitment to authentic technological research and development. This architecture has been widely adopted by brands such as Lynk & Co, Lotus, and Volvo.
In terms of business models, ZEEKR has innovatively adopted a direct-sales system, establishing a diversified retail network consisting of ZEEKR Centers, Space Stores, Service Centers, Delivery Centers, and ZEEKR Home. Among them, ZEEKR Centers not only display vehicles but also provide exclusive service areas for car owners, offering personalized services such as complimentary coffee and specialty beverages. Even details such as pet-friendly spaces and customized latte art are incorporated to enhance the user experience, demonstrating a user-centric approach that differs from traditional 4S dealership models. During the exchange session, both sides discussed pathways for financial empowerment in the new energy vehicle industry. Drawing on practical cases such as the development of the direct-sales system and carbon neutrality goals, Li Wei explained financing models and the application scenarios of green financial instruments, enabling students to connect industrial practice with financial theory.
Visiting Harvest Fund:
Insights into the Financial Industry and Career Development
At the second stop of the study tour, the delegation arrived at Harvest Fund, embarking on an immersive learning experience in the financial industry.
As one of the earliest ten fund management companies established in China, Harvest Fund has developed into a benchmark in the asset management industry with total assets under management exceeding RMB 1.6 trillion. The company has received 91 Golden Bull Awards and other prestigious honors. Its business covers multiple areas, including public funds, institutional asset management, pensions, and overseas investment, achieving comprehensive coverage across asset classes. Under the guidance of company representatives, faculty members and students visited the office area and the corporate honor exhibition zone. Through the Harvest Dashboard System, they gained a visual overview of the company’s 27-year development history, integrated investment–research framework, and public welfare contributions. To date, Harvest’s charitable initiatives have cumulatively contributed RMB 206 million, focusing particularly on educational support for underprivileged children in western China.
During the thematic sharing session, Zhu Rongxiuzi, National Trainer and Registered Lecturer for Investor Education at Harvest Fund, delivered a lecture titled “An Introductory Course on ETFs: From 0 to 1.” Drawing on the latest industry data, she explained the definition, advantages, and investment strategies of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), discussing the golden decade of ETF ecosystem development and their core role in asset allocation. She pointed out that ETFs offer five major advantages: risk diversification, real-time trading, a wide product range, transparency, and low fees, making them a major incremental source of capital in China’s A-share market.
In response to students’ concerns about practical investment strategies, Zhu shared several useful approaches and explained key indicators for selecting ETF products.
Subsequently, Dong Wenkang, Channel Manager of Harvest Fund Beijing Region and alumnus of CUFE Business School, shared his career journey in a talk titled “From Campus to the Workplace.” Drawing on his internship experiences during undergraduate study and entrepreneurial exploration during graduate school, he described his transition from a well-rounded top student to someone firmly committed to a career in financial sales. Dong emphasized that the essence of sales lies in identifying needs and creating value. He noted that Harvest Fund’s strong brand reputation, resource support, and innovative, inclusive team culture provide practitioners with a broad platform for growth. He encouraged students to strengthen their professional foundations, step outside their comfort zones, and cultivate long-term growth within their chosen career paths.
Visiting Bank of China Embassy District Sub-branch:
Cross-Border Finance and Public Service
Zhang Fan, Client Manager at the Bank of China Embassy District Sub-branch, delivered a thematic presentation highlighting the century-long heritage and distinctive business strengths of the Bank of China.
Zhang Fan provided a detailed introduction to the branch’s core businesses, focusing on China’s annual foreign exchange purchase facilitation policy for residents and the procedures for exceeding standard quotas in scenarios such as studying abroad and overseas medical treatment. She also introduced the Bank of China’s automobile installment financing policy and practical features of the Bank of China mobile app, enabling students to understand the close connection between financial services and everyday life.
Drawing on her 15 years of frontline experience, Zhang explained the professional value of bankers, noting that “banks represent the last mile of financial services closest to people’s livelihoods.” She also shared insights into the essence of financial marketing and scientific approaches to financial planning, demonstrating the service philosophy of “finance serving the people.”
Visiting Xiaomi Automobile Factory:
Intelligent Manufacturing and Ecosystem Innovation
At the final stop of the study tour, faculty members and students visited the Xiaomi Automobile Beijing Smart Manufacturing Park, where they experienced the intelligent manufacturing capabilities and innovative spirit of a technology company.
Founded in 2010, Xiaomi entered the Fortune Global 500 within just nine years. Guided by a philosophy of continuous innovation, the company has achieved multiple technological breakthroughs in the automobile sector, providing students with a hands-on learning experience in a cutting-edge industry.
At the technology exhibition hall, company guides systematically introduced Xiaomi’s development history, core technology layout, and full-industry-chain ecosystem. Students closely observed several flagship models and learned about their design concepts, functional positioning, and stylistic features, gaining a direct understanding of the company’s user-centered innovation philosophy.
The smart home products displayed in the hall further demonstrated Xiaomi’s cross-scenario ecosystem integration strategy, offering students a vivid understanding of the concept of “technology serving life.”
Later, under the guidance of staff, the delegation toured three core production workshops via shuttle vehicles, witnessing the assembly processes and precision manufacturing technologies of Xiaomi automobiles. In the intelligent manufacturing workshop, hundreds of robots worked collaboratively while automated production lines operated efficiently, seamlessly connecting processes from raw material processing to component formation.
In the die-casting workshop, the super large-scale die-casting technology showcased impressive technological strength. The company’s self-developed proprietary alloy materials further highlighted its commitment to technological innovation.
This workshop visit not only enabled students to systematically understand intelligent manufacturing processes and supply chain management logic, but also further deepened their understanding of “technology empowering industrial upgrading.”
Ideological Guidance and Reflection: Concluding the Study Tour
During the discussion session, Professor Gao Yongling from the Department of Supply Chain and Operations Management delivered a themed ideological and political education lecture titled “Building a Strong Automotive Nation and Confidence in China’s New Energy Vehicle Development.” She interpreted China’s development path in the new energy vehicle industry through the lens of the “Four-sphere Confidence (Confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics).” She encouraged students to view industry development through the new development philosophy, seeking opportunities within the principles of innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and sharing.
At the conclusion of the event, Yang Zhongying, Deputy Director of Business School Committee, delivered closing remarks. She expressed sincere appreciation to Bank of China, Harvest Fund, ZEEKR Flagship Center, and the Xiaomi Automobile Factory for their strong support. She also thanked alumni Dong Wenkang and An Zixuan for connecting the Business School with high-quality enterprise resources.
She noted that the study tour featured rich content and diverse formats, enabling students to step beyond the classroom and into real enterprises. Participants experienced the vitality of industrial innovation while deepening their understanding of financial disciplines, achieving meaningful integration between practice and theory.
Faculty members and students returned to campus with abundant insights, marking the successful conclusion of the study tour. Centered on the theme of “Industry + Finance,” the study tour integrated three key sectors: new energy vehicles, financial services and intelligent manufacturing and, through collaboration among banks, enterprises, and the university, provided students with immersive practical experiences and comprehensive knowledge empowerment.
Looking ahead, CUFE Business School will continue to deepen cooperation with leading enterprises, enrich practical learning programs, and further optimize the industry–education integrated talent cultivation mechanism. The School remains committed to nurturing a new generation of finance and business professionals with global vision, innovative capabilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility, contributing educational strength to China’s high-quality economic development.
Selected Student Reflections
1. Zhang Yanmei
Undergraduate Student, Class of 2023, CUFE Business School
During this Labor Practice Week, we visited ZEEKR, Harvest Fund, Bank of China Embassy District Sub-branch, and the Xiaomi Automobile Factory, gaining close exposure to the forefront of new energy vehicles, financial services, and intelligent manufacturing. At ZEEKR, we gained insights into technological breakthroughs and innovations in the direct-sales business model. At Harvest Fund, we learned about ETF-related knowledge and listened to alumni share their career development experiences. The sharing session at Bank of China helped us understand the close connection between cross-border financial services and people’s livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi factory showcased the impressive capabilities of intelligent manufacturing. This study tour broke through the boundaries of textbook knowledge. It not only deepened our understanding of professional knowledge and clarified our future career directions, but also strengthened our sense of responsibility as business students.
2. Zhang Siyuan
Undergraduate Student, Class of 2024, CUFE Business School
I feel very fortunate to have had such an opportunity to learn about corporate products and experience factory production up close. I am very grateful to the Business School and the university for providing us with this valuable opportunity.
This activity gave me a new understanding of the development of China’s new energy vehicle industry. I also had the chance to witness the automobile production process firsthand at the Xiaomi Automobile Factory, truly experiencing what intelligent manufacturing means. In the factory, robot arms and intelligent transportation robots could be seen everywhere, while relatively few workers were operating on-site.
If you are lucky enough to encounter such an opportunity, you should definitely participate!
3. Xu Qingru
Undergraduate Student, Class of 2024, CUFE Business School
This study tour themed “Industry–Education Integration · Finance and Intelligence in Action” allowed me to step beyond textbooks and truly experience the practical integration of industry and finance. At the ZEEKR Flagship Center, I felt the innovative vitality of the real economy through the technological layout of new energy vehicles. The sharing sessions from Harvest Fund and Bank of China provided a concrete understanding of how finance empowers industrial development. The visit to the Xiaomi factory was particularly impressive. The guide first took us through the exhibition hall and introduced vehicle models such as the Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 in detail. We then entered the super factory by shuttle vehicle. The fully intelligent automobile production line gave me a direct and profound understanding of the practical application of supply chain management. Finally, the concluding remarks and reflections from the professors further elevated the experience. I realized that the development of high-tech industries such as new energy vehicles relies on strong development quality, innovation capacity, and export strength. It also reflects China’s confidence in its path, institutions, theories, and culture. This study tour helped me understand that learning in any discipline must be rooted in industrial practice. In the future, I will place greater emphasis on connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world industry development.
4. Xia Ying
Academic Master’s Student, Class of 2025, CUFE Business School
First, the study tour broadened my horizons. ZEEKR’s persistence in its brand identity serves as a stabilizing force for its growth. Harvest Fund has built a strong corporate moat through its deep expertise in asset allocation. Meanwhile, the lean production philosophy and integrated, intelligent technologies of the Xiaomi Automobile Super Factory have enabled it to achieve the remarkable production capacity of over 500,000 vehicles per year.
Second, it expanded my knowledge. ETFs come in many categories and offer a wide range of products, addressing challenges such as difficulties in selecting funds, high investment costs, and tracking inefficiencies. This opened up a new perspective on investment for me.
Finally, it deepened my reflections. Greatness cannot be fully planned, but planning helps us find locally optimal solutions and generate synergy. Although we may not know exactly which “mountain peak” we will ultimately reach, the process itself will carry us forward, ensuring that we arrive at a peak somewhere along the journey.
5. Fang Zicheng
MBA Student, Class of 2025, CUFE Business School
This study tour was deeply inspiring. It significantly enriched my experiences and broadened my horizons, allowing me to shift my focus away from daily work, industry information, and school coursework, and instead explore a more diverse world. In particular, at the Xiaomi Super Factory, I experienced a modern automated assembly workshop at close range. I deeply felt the immense power of innovative technology in empowering the manufacturing industry. At the same time, through the precise and coordinated operation of machinery, I sensed the profound beauty of mathematics in practical applications. Experiencing the factory on-site was very different from watching it through the media. Industry, factories, workers, and tools—all these elements operate in coordination through supply chains, continuously producing finished products that are transported across the country to fulfill orders.
6. Wang Tianning
MBA Student, Class of 2025, CUFE Business School
From the intelligent cockpit of ZEEKR, to the career-sharing session at Harvest Fund, and finally to the intelligent manufacturing processes at the Xiaomi factory, this one-day study tour felt like planting financial knowledge directly into the soil of industry.
At ZEEKR, I learned how technological iteration in the new energy vehicle industry anchors the direction of financial empowerment. The exchange session at Harvest Fund helped me grasp the real dynamics of financial careers, and the internship fast-track program made professional learning feel more tangible. At the Xiaomi factory, when the classroom knowledge of supply chain management was compared with real production lines, I finally understood that the concept of “industry–finance integration” is far from abstract.
This study tour transformed the concept of “finance” from something found in textbooks into a tangible industrial pulse. I sincerely appreciate the School for carefully organizing this activity, which allowed me to step beyond abstract academic concepts and truly connect with financial practice on the industrial frontline.
