Marie Steffenhagen is a student from the Faculty of Law at Universität Hamburg in Germany. She participated in the CESL Chinese Law International Summer School 2025. In this article, Marie Steffenhagen shares her experiences in summer school.

The two-week CESL Chinese Law International Summer School at the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) was an inspiring and rewarding experience for me, especially due to its great combination of academic learning and deep cultural immersion. Throughout the program, I gained new perspectives on Chinese law, history, and culture while connecting with people from different backgrounds. Furthermore, the thoughtful mix of lectures, institutional visits, and cultural activities made these two weeks both educational and personally enriching.

Throughout the program, we attended a series of lectures covering the structure and characteristics of the Chinese legal system, as well as key elements of Chinese history and philosophy. These sessions provided a solid foundation for the institutional visits and also showed me the differences between the Chinese and German law systems and what we can learn from each other.

One of the most insightful parts of the Summer School was our visit to major legal institutions, including the Beijing Arbitration Commission and Zhong Lun Law Firm. They gave us a rare opportunity to observe the practical side of law in China and to engage with experienced legal professionals.

We also had the opportunity to visit Xiaomi. This visit highlighted the dynamic interplay between law, innovation, and global business, and demonstrated how legal frameworks evolve in fast-growing industries.

To me, an important aspect for my decision to apply for the Summer School was its cultural dimension. During the two weeks we explored a range of institutions that preserve and present Chinese cultural heritage, including the China National Archives of Publications and Culture, the China Archaeology Museum, and the China National Arts and Crafts Museum. My expectations were completely met and it broadened my interest in Chinese culture.

Especially, the night tour of the Great Wall was a memorable and unique experience for me. Watching the sunset from the ancient stones of this world-famous landmark was not only beautiful but deeply moving as it connected us with centuries of Chinese history. Similarly, our visit to the Summer Palace offered breathtaking views and valuable insights into China's past.

In addition to the organized program, the Summer School also allowed us plenty of free time to explore Beijing independently. During these moments, we visited remarkable sites such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, which gave us an even deeper appreciation of China’s rich cultural heritage. We also discovered the local cuisine together, enjoying traditional dishes like hot pot and tasting authentic Peking Duck, which was a highlight for many of us. These shared experiences added an informal yet valuable dimension to the cultural exchange.

Overall, the Summer School was exceptionally well-planned and balanced. It successfully combined legal education with cultural immersion. The organizers made a tremendous effort to ensure the participants had an unforgettable experience.

I would strongly recommend this Summer School to anyone interested in cross-cultural engagement and legal studies as it offers a unique opportunity to broaden one’s perspective, build international friendships, and experience the richness of Chinese culture firsthand.

Photo and text: Marie Steffenhagen

Assistant Editor: Zou Yuekui

Responsible Editor: MA Anna

Recommended Articles

CESL CHINESE LAW INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 2025 SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED

Meet·CESL | ① Pawel Mateusz Gadocha shares his experience completing an LL.M. in China

Meet·CESL | ② Emma Bakos at the CESL Summer Camp

Meet·CESL | ③ Christina Boyksen：From Hamburg to Beijing: Expanding my legal horizon

Meet·CESL | ④ Choo Shermane: Bridging Cultures Through Law: My Journey at the CUPL-CESL Summer School

Meet·CESL | ⑤ Julian Patz at the CESL Summer Camp

Meet·CESL | ⑥ Yitzchak Isaac Small at the CESL Summer Camp