In a continuing drive to bring more UK students to China, the UK-China Student Forum began its second China journey on Tuesday, offering a group of eight British students an opportunity to broaden their horizons.

The students will travel around China and learn first-hand about its people, society and development.

The goal is to break down cultural barriers and increase mutual understanding, organizers said.

The eight students were part of a larger effort that envisions 80,000 British students gaining experience in China by 2020. The effort, known as Generation UK, was launched by the British Council in 2013 to encourage more students to undertake studies and internships in emerging economies.

The April 22 trip was organized by the British Council and Tsinghua University in association with the China-Britain Youth Association. It brings together young people from the UK and China to discuss critical issues affecting the future of both countries.

Education for the digital generation, employability and international experience were all on the agenda.

The event sees dialogue as a key pillar in the UK-China relationship. The forum provides a way to celebrate ties between the two peoples and creates a platform from which to drive greater co-operation.

The UK-China Dialogue is one of three annual dialogues, the others being the Strategic Dialogue and the Economic and Financial Dialogue.