Tongji University recently took a group of its international students on an immersive trip to Xi'an. Nearly 20 participants from across the globe, including Germany, Cambodia, Chile, Russia, and Turkey, joined the "Experiencing China" program.

Moving beyond textbooks, the students walked through history in the ancient capital. This hands-on approach allowed them to feel the depth of Chinese civilization, witness its living traditions, and observe its modern development firsthand — connecting the past, present, and future of China through direct experience.

Walk the Ancient Walls, Touch History

Climbing the Ancient City Wall was the first stop. As China’s largest and best-preserved ancient wall, it stands as a remarkable example of Ming Dynasty defense.

Walking along its broad ramparts, the students gazed out from the watchtowers, envisioning the city’s past as a bustling capital. Through this experience, they gained a tangible sense of Xi’an’s deep historical weight and enduring legacy.

Explore the Forest of Steles, Unlocking the Spirit of Chinese characters

At the Xi'an Forest of Steles Museum, students wandered through galleries of stone tablets inscribed with ancient scripts, tracing the evolution of Chinese calligraphy. Many were particularly moved by the beauty of Tang Dynasty regular script and Northern Wei Dynasty clerical script. As a student from Germany remarked, witnessing these works firsthand offered a profound appreciation for the cultural spirit embedded within each character.

A Journey into Chinese Civilization: Seeking the Legacy of the Tang

At Daci'en Temple, one of the grandest Buddhist temples of ancient Chang'an, students learned about the story of Master Xuanzang's westward journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures, feeling the profound cultural exchange it represented. Many said this was the key takeaway of their "Experiencing China" trip: witnessing firsthand the open and inclusive spirit embedded in the nation's history.

Next, at the Shaanxi History Museum, students journeyed through China's past via its artifacts—from ancient bronzes and jades to Tang Dynasty ceramics and Silk Road relics. Each exhibit told a part of the Chinese story, sparking admiration for the craftsmanship of the past and reflection on the enduring significance of cultural exchange.

Step into Living Heritage: Feel the Masters' Hands

The cultural immersion continued at Yongxingfang, where students took part in a hands-on shadow puppet workshop—a vivid introduction to intangible cultural heritage. Guided by an instructor, they learned to color, assemble, and operate the puppets. The moment their characters moved behind the lit screen, they had mastered the basics of an ancient art. “Chinese traditional arts are not only exquisite; they carry deep emotion and philosophy,” many reflected. Through this interactive experience, they gained a genuine appreciation for the humanistic spirit behind China's living heritage.

Witness to a World Wonder

At the Terracotta Army Museum, the students were struck by the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of life-sized figures standing in battle formation — each with a unique expression — a vivid recreation of the Qin Dynasty's military might. They listened intently to learn about Emperor Qin Shi Huang's historic unification of China and even tried their hands at replica figurine-making, experiencing firsthand the skill and ingenuity of ancient craftsmen through clay and fire.

Discovering Rural Revival and Local Culture

The final stop brought students to Yuanjia Village, hailed as the “Guanzhong Cultural Experience Center.” The village preserves its original rural architecture and folk lifestyle, with streets filled with the aroma of local snacks and courtyards echoing with traditional storytelling.

There, they tried their hands at age-old crafts and learned how cultural tourism has driven the village’s revitalization. It became clear to them that China’s development extends far beyond its cities — that rural areas, too, are thriving through a dynamic blend of preservation and innovation.

Source: Tongji University