Middle school students from Hong Kong wrapped up their six-day exchange journey in Shanghai on Wednesday, fueled by a well-rounded understanding of Shanghai's life, culture, history and technology development.

A total of 496 Hong Kong teenagers from 17 middle schools were split into six groups.

Beginning Friday, each group attended activities themed with Shanghai culture, innovation, history, technology, manufacturing and city planning.

"We hope to enhance the communication between Shanghai and Hong Kong students through the program, and Hong Kong teenagers can learn more about this metropolis and the rapid development of the country that it demonstrates," said Yao Cho-fai, chairman of Hong Kong-Shanghai Economic Development Association, one of the organizers of the program launched in 2018.

"Students will benefit a lot from the experience, which may lay a sound foundation for their future development across the nation," Yao said.

During their stay in Shanghai, some Hong Kong teenagers visited local families, tasted local cuisine and joined Shanghai middle school students in classes.