From February 2019 to February 2020, a team of seven CAUPD colleagues, including YUAN Haiqin, JIANG Ming, HE Linghua, ZHOU Xiang, ZHU Jiang, XU Mingming, and KANG Hao, embarked on a visit and study program at UCLA in the United States. Additionally, YU Yang, DING Rong, and LIAO Shuangnan, constitute a team of three who pursued a similar program at Portland State University (PSU).

The primary objective of these training programs was to support the development goals and aspirations of CAUPD in the new era, as it prospersa “new type of think tank with Chinese characteristics” and “the most competitive and internationally influential planning institution”, as well as a “internationalized, innovative, and authoritative” consultancy. Such training programs will equip the CAUPD key professionals with expertise in cutting-edge theories, methods, knowledge, and technology related to international habitat development. They also sought to acquire comprehensive and technical skills in modern urban planning, urban design, urban management, and operation. Furthermore, such activities aimed to strengthen their ability to engage in international cooperation, communicate effectively with external stakeholders, organize and coordinate major comprehensive design projects, and conduct high-level urban research.