Recently, led by faculty members Zhang Yongji, Chen Cheng, and Lan Shuqin, a group of international students from Shanghai Institute of Technology was invited on an immersive cultural tour of Nanjing. The journey took them through the city's iconic landmarks, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the World Literature Salon, the Deji Art Museum, the Confucius Temple (Wuyi Alley), and the Museum of the Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins. Through this experiential exploration, the students traced the literary veins of Jinling (Nanjing's historic name), contributing a vivid chapter to the global narrative of Nanjing as a UNESCO "City of Literature."

The tour began at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose grand scale and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape left the international students in awe. Guided by a docent, they learned about the ritual traditions and architectural artistry of Ming Dynasty imperial tombs. Many raised their cameras to capture the stone steles, the Spirit Way statues, and other historic vistas, sensing the profound historical weight of Jinling—the "Imperial Capital" celebrated in classical poetry."It's not just the scale that's impressive," remarked Laotian student Yang Sai, deeply moved. "These structures hold a reverence for tradition that helps me understand the roots of the imagery in so much Chinese poetry. What I've seen and felt here is deeply impactful and unforgettable. It has given me a much richer sense of how this city's past and present are woven together."

At the World Literature Salon, built upon the former site of a Southern Dynasties literary hall, the students from Shanghai Institute of Technology listened to stories tracing Nanjing's literary lineage—from the elegant gatherings of scholars during the Southern Dynasties to its modern-day status as a "City of Literature." Ancient text replicas, manuscripts, and interactive exhibits on display offered them a tangible sense of the city's millennial legacy as a literary hub.

Next, the group visited the Deji Art Museum for a special exhibition of The Jinling Scroll. By comparing historical and contemporary scenes, they gained insight into how the "Jinling imagery" found in poetry is grounded in physical reality. "Arriving in Nanjing, you're immediately met with the aura of an ancient capital," said Laotian student Long Haiyang. "The blend of history and modernity is captivating. Every step feels like a journey through time."

Wuyi Alley, nestled beside the Confucius Temple, has been immortalized by Liu Yuxi’s poem Wuyi Alley and served as a “living poetry class” during the visit. At the entrance of the alley, with its black-tiled roofs and grey brick walls, the international students from Shanghai Institute of Technology recited in unison: “By the Rosefinch Bridge wild grasses overgrow; / Along Wuyi Lane the evening sun hangs low.” As the verse “Swallows that skimmed by painted eaves in bygone days” echoed the scene before their eyes, they expressed a shared appreciation for the unique charm of Chinese poetry—where scene and emotion perfectly converge. “Before, reciting was just memorizing words,” reflected Russian student Lu Ming. “But standing here now, I finally understand the sense of profound change the poem conveys.”

On the final leg of their tour, the international students from Shanghai Institute of Technology visited the Museum of the Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins. Their focus was on its pioneering work in digitally preserving cultural heritage. Through VR reconstructions of the lost Glazed Pagoda and digitally restored ancient mural fragments, they witnessed firsthand how cutting-edge technology is breathing new life into history. "I was truly struck by how technology is being used here at the Grand Bao'en Temple site," shared Laotian student Mu Chen. "Seeing the past reimagined through innovation was both awe-inspiring and deeply memorable."

Tian Yajiao, Director of the China International Communications Group (CICG) Cultural Exchange Center, praised the visit. She noted that the innovative "contest + cultural immersion" format successfully guided international students from reciting poetry to becoming genuine experiences and ambassadors of Chinese culture. "This journey allowed me to truly connect with Nanjing's profound historical depth," shared Laotian student Li Leyang. "Walking through cultural landmarks like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Confucius Temple with expert guides gave me a tangible understanding and deeper resonance with China's poetic heritage."

Tian Yajiao, Director of the International Liaison Department at the CICG Cultural Exchange Center, along with her team and relevant officials from the Nanjing Municipal Publicity Department, participated in the entire event.

Source: Shanghai Institute of Technology