On November 14th-16th, 2024, the "Sensing the Bay Area in Southern Guangdong" event, hosted by Shenzhen University, was successfully held. Nearly 60 international students from 21 universities in Guangdong Province embarked on a special journey through southern Guangdong, exploring the province's technological advancements, natural scenery, and cultural heritage, and experiencing the unique charm of the Bay Area in Southern Guangdong. Our college's Deputy Secretary Qin Qing, counselor Liu Wei, Zhang Qiqin teacher, and five student representatives participated in the event.

On the morning of the 14th, the launch ceremony of "Sensing the Bay Area in Guangdong Province" was held at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Deputy Director of the Exchange and Cooperation Department of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Chen Qi, said in his speech that he hoped that students would gain a deeper understanding of the Guangdong practice of promoting China's modernization through this activity, and have a more realistic sense of the great achievements China has achieved under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. He also hoped that students would tell good Chinese stories and good stories of Sino-foreign friendship and actively contribute to deepening friendship and cooperation between countries. The event was hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, the Guangdong Provincial Higher Education Association Foreign Student Work Committee, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and Shenzhen University, and co-hosted by Lingnan Normal University and Shaoguan University.

On the afternoon of the 14th, international students arrived at Kingfa Science and Technology Co., Ltd. to experience the development and growth of China's high-performance modified plastic technology and learn about the history of China's modern scientific and technological progress. The international students visited the Kingfa Science and Technology Museum and the National Engineering Laboratory, gaining a deep understanding of how Chinese technology companies are committed to solving the increasingly serious environmental problems faced by humanity, actively responding to the challenges brought about by changes in the global living environment, and achieving sustainable development.

Northern of Guangdong: The fusion of Yao ethnic culture and natural wonders

International students exchanged ideas with students from Ruyuan Experimental Middle School and Shaoguan University, experiencing the culture of the Yao Ethnic Minority and feeling the "Guangdong power" of rural revitalization. International students learned the long drum dance and bamboo stick dance with Chinese students at Ruyuan Experimental Middle School.

LUCIA from Argentina came to the Grade 7 classroom to give the little ones a cultural lesson, passing on voices from around the world and achieving cultural exchange and mutual learning, opening a window to the world for the middle school students of the Yao ethnic group.

After experiencing the diverse culture of the Yao Ethnic Minority, international students head to the Yao Museum of Mountain Climbing, where they can appreciate the breathtaking landscape paintings of Yao's capital and experience the splendid thousand-year civilization and the rich and colorful ethnic culture created by the Yao Ethnic Minority.

In the afternoon, international students went to the Yao village, where they experienced the traditional Yao clothing, tried Yao specialties such as pounding glutinous rice cakes and dancing with bamboo poles, visited the mushroom cultivation base, tasted Yao specialty banquet, experienced the unique tea ceremony of "high mountain water flow", and experienced the Yao fire dance with a strong ethnic feature and festival atmosphere. The international students had a profound understanding of the rich and colorful Yao culture and the profound cultural heritage, and experienced the spiritual face of the Yao village after the reform and update of the "million and ten thousand" project, and learned about the rich fruits of China's new rural construction and the new situation of rural development.

On the third day, the students went to Danxia Mountain, a World Natural Heritage site. Known for its unique red rock geological landscape, the students went hiking and climbed the mountains to the east, taking in the views from Shuangxi Stage, Zhiyuan Cave, and other scenic spots. They immersed themselves in the beautiful natural scenery and also learned about the formation process of Danxia landform and the protection work, gaining a deeper understanding of nature conservation.

Perception Bay Area South Guangdong Tour: Expanding Cultural Perception and International Vision

"Read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles," the Perception of the Bay Area in Guangdong Province activity is not only a cultural experience journey, but also an expansion of international vision. International students, through three days of practice and experience, not only enhance their understanding of traditional Chinese culture, ethnic culture, and natural scenery in China, but also promote cross-cultural communication and deepen their understanding of Guangdong Province and even the whole of China.

As the trip came to an end, students expressed that the Southern Guangdong journey had been a rewarding experience for them, and they would take what they had seen and heard back to their own countries to serve as friendly ambassadors of Chinese culture. At the same time, they also looked forward to more opportunities in the future to continue exploring China and experiencing the ancient and vibrant land.

Student Quote:

This trip to Shaoguan was a rewarding experience that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the city and its culture. The confident performance of the children at our school, showcasing their love for their own culture through the long drum routine and bamboo stick dance, impressed me deeply. Visiting the ginseng base was the first time I had seen and touched real ginseng, and its smooth texture exceeded my expectations. Dancing with the Li and Miao girls and making glutinous rice cakes by hand was a wonderful way to experience the charm and fun of traditional culture. The moment I climbed Mount Danxia, the endless mountainscape opened up my mind. This activity not only allowed me to experience rich Chinese culture but also to appreciate the beauty of human harmony with nature, leaving a deep impression and unforgettable memories.

- Zodan (QIU WANG ZUO DAN, Brazil)

During our three-day trip to Shaoguan, we had the privilege of exploring the rich history and culture of the area, and making meaningful contributions to the local community. This trip was not only a feast of education and cultural exchange, but also a wonderful journey of natural exploration. We visited Danxia Mountain, where the unique rock formations left us in awe. Climbing Danxia Mountain, we established an unforgettable connection with nature and experienced the wonderful feeling of being one with nature. This trip was a perfect combination of cultural exploration, academic enrichment, and community service. It not only left us with lasting memories, but also gave us a deeper understanding of the region and the impact of our collective efforts.

- Qaisar (HAYAT QAISAR, Pakistan)