Thirty-nine international students from 22 countries traveled to Wuhan from June 19 to 21 for a three-day cultural immersion program organized by Tongji University's International Students Office.

The three-day journey turned the city into a living classroom. Students explored China's ancient heritage at the Hubei Provincial Museum and Yellow Crane Tower, then turned to the future at the tech hub of IPASON, a Wuhan-based PC manufacturer, where they witnessed the country's manufacturing prowess firsthand. For many, it was an eye-opening encounter that blurred the line between past and present—and reshaped their understanding of China.

The chime bell performance at the Hubei Provincial Museum was a clear highlight. Bertram, a German student who had been learning Chinese since an early age and came to China to further his studies, said the performance left a deep impression on him. "It's breathtaking—this is a beauty that belongs uniquely to China," he said. "Wuhan has preserved thousands of years of history so remarkably." Another student, David from the Central African Republic, was equally impressed. Having lived in China for six years and visited more than 20 cities, he said in fluent Chinese: "I've never seen such a complete system of ancient chime bells and ritual music anywhere else."

The group then moved to a DIY workshop, where they gathered around the counter and followed a master of intangible cultural heritage through each step of making cherry blossom pastries—kneading the dough, layering in the shortening, and folding in the filling. At every stage, they were eager to ask the master for guidance. Along the way, they came to realize that these seemingly simple pastries are deeply tied to traditional customs—from seasonal festivals to weddings and birthday celebrations. Jenny from Turkmenistan was particularly taken with Wuhan's vibe. She said that Wuhan feels calmer and more relaxed than Shanghai, with a stronger sense of everyday life. The view from Yellow Crane Tower, where old and new architecture blend along the Yangtze River, left a strong impression on her. Her first hands-on experience with traditional pastry-making—working the dough and carving out delicate patterns—was both novel and enjoyable, giving her a real sense of the craftsmanship embedded in China's culinary heritage.

At the IPASON showroom, a company representative gave students a comprehensive overview of the brand's development, core technologies, and global market strategy. He then demonstrated new applications such as AI-powered creative tools and SparkLink wireless connectivity. Students viewed a range of high-end PCs, AI-powered hardware, and domestically developed IT products, and asked plenty of questions about overseas sales channels and cross-border e-commerce business models. Many also took the opportunity to try out the interactive devices on display. The exchange was lively and engaging throughout.

The event was more than just a cross-cultural activity—it was a dialogue that brought together young voices from around the world. The International Students Office at Tongji University said it would continue to build bridges for people-to-people exchange, helping international students, as first-hand witnesses, share a true and vivid picture of China with the world.

Source: Tongji University