This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to visit China and the beautiful city of Hangzhou while doing science.

From 31 August to 4 September 2026, ESCoP will hold its conference there. The programme looks excellent, with keynote lectures by Louisa Bogaerts, Fang Fang, Klaus Oberauer, and Agnieszka Wykowska, as well as symposia, oral presentations, and posters. And there is still time to submit an abstract.

But this is also more than a conference. It is a chance to experience China. I would suggest flying China Eastern, which flies directly from many European cities to Shanghai, including Amsterdam, Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, Copenhagen, Budapest, and more. These flights are usually 2 hours shorter and much cheaper than those offered by many Western airlines.

From Shanghai, you take the bullet train (great experience), and about an hour later you are in Hangzhou.

Thanks to Zhejiang University, hotel prices are very reasonable, and participants can stay in a five-star hotel (a wonderful experience) for about 90 USD/night. For those who want even more culture: i would like to suggest to fly into  Beijing: visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, then take the high-speed train to Hangzhou.

Travelling in China is much easier than many people think. With an eSIM, you can use your phone and your usual apps. Getting around is convenient, safe, and exciting.

I really hope many of you will consider joining us in Hangzhou. It promises to be a wonderful mix of science, colleagues, culture, and adventure. For more information, please visit the event’s webpage here.

Jan Theeuwes