Jiang Feng, Party secretary of Shanghai International Studies University, said the concepts of English learning and teaching in the country are undergoing constant development to suit the situation of the era.

"For example, in SISU, the focus is shifting gradually from English language and literature to studies of English- speaking countries, and we are also exploring interdisciplinary studies, such as in language and neuroscience," he said.

Moreover, the Shanghai Center for Research in English Language Education, established at SISU in December 2016, is dedicated to development of English education in primary and middle schools in the city, Jiang said.

"We also hope that the center, availing Shanghai's experience, will contribute wisdom to English teaching in the whole country, and even the world, and promote the development of the Chinese style of English education," Jiang said.