On May 17, international students from our university embarked on an immersive cultural exploration trip to Xitang, Zhejiang Province. Over 70 international students from countries such as Russia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, France, and Egypt participated in the event, experiencing the unique culture of the Jiangnan region.

Capture the Beauty in a Album

Turn into a “Town Girl”

Enjoying Doodling Together

 

Have a Date with Xitang

In the early morning, international students from our university, brimming with anticipation and curiosity, stepped onto this poetic land. The whitewashed walls and black tiles, the small bridges and flowing streams, the antique architecture and the rippling waters complemented each other, creating a series of picturesque Jiangnan scenes that instantly captivated everyone's attention.

"The lively atmosphere of Xitang has enchanted me," Nick Pei from Canada excitedly shared his feelings. "When I traveled in Beijing, I also visited some ancient towns. Those places had a unique northern charm. But this time, exploring Xitang with my friends has created so many wonderful memories." As he strolled along the winding alleys, he continued enthusiastically, "Unlike other ancient towns, Xitang is relatively lively, brimming with a rich sense of daily life." Pointing at the bustling shops along the street and the passers-by coming and going, he continued, "And here, my friends and I also experienced traditional Chinese massages. The feeling of relaxation and novelty was just amazing!"

From Books to the Real Jiangnan

For Ota from Japan, the trip to Xitang was an entirely new experience. Standing on the stone bridge, she gazed at the gently flowing river below and the well-arranged white-walled and black-tiled buildings on both banks, her eyes filled with delight and admiration. “I've always learned about the Jiangnan water towns of China from books and movies. Today, for the first time, I'm seeing this architectural style of small bridges, flowing water, white walls, and black tiles with my own eyes. I feel like I've finally stepped into the towns depicted in books. Everything is so beautiful, even more charming than I had imagined!"

A Chance Encounter with "Mission: Impossible"

Dana from Kazakhstan had an unexpected discovery during her tour. As she passed by a shop, a photo of Tom Cruise in the window caught her attention. Upon closer inspection, she realized that Xitang was the filming location for the movie "Mission: Impossible III." "I never expected that such a beautiful ancient town would appear in an international blockbuster!" Dana said in surprise, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This has made me even more fascinated by Xitang and has also made me feel the influence of Chinese culture worldwide."

This cultural exploration activity is an important part of our university's efforts to carry out second-classroom education and teaching for international students. It aims to provide international students with a platform to experience Chinese culture. Through a day of exploration and study, the international students can not only able to practice their Chinese communication skills in real-life situations but also gain a deeper understanding of China's history, culture, and local customs. This experience fostered emotional connections among teachers and students and between classmates. Students from different countries and cultural backgrounds gather together, exchange ideas, and learn from each other, promoting the collision and integration of diverse cultures. This further enriches the international students' study-abroad life in China, leaving them with an unforgettable and precious memory of their academic journey.

Source:Study at SISU