Nearly 20 foreigners toured landmarks in Shanghai on Monday and Tuesday to gain a better understanding of the city's economic and social development and China's modernization drive.

Jointly hosted by the China Center for International Communication Development and Shanghai University, the event was attended by representatives from 12 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Sudan, Thailand, Venezuela, and China.

During the tour, the participants visited places like the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, the Memorial for the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and the Bund.

Noel Sirerol Gonzalez, a Spanish game designer at Pop Mart's Beijing office, said he is impressed by Shanghai's rapid development.

"The people I know here in Shanghai have told me that they enjoy a high quality of life，" he said. "This is all because of the modernization of the city and the growth of the economy."

Pronkina Olga, a Russian professor at the School of Foreign Affairs and Law of Gansu University of Political Science and Law, shared the same sentiments.

"I was amazed to find out that the transformation of Shanghai, from a city with small buildings to a bustling metropolis happened in just a few decades. I fully admire the diligence and wisdom of the Chinese," said Olga, who has lived in China for 14 years.

"Shanghai is a very international city, and it is interesting to see all kinds of people from across the world working and thriving here. I hope Shanghai can continuously bring us such surprises in the future," she added.

Pedro Steenhagen, a Brazilian PhD student in international politics at Fudan University, said that the Communist Party of China has been playing an indispensable role in driving China's economic and social development as well as ensuring political stability.

"The contributions that China and the CPC have given to eliminate extreme poverty are simply incredible. This is a reference for human history," said Steenhagen, who intends to continue living and working in China to help strengthen and build more relations between Brazil and China after he graduates in 2025.

Wang Xin contributed to this story.