Lingnan University and Peking University host cultural experience camp, taking Hong Kong and international students on an extensive exploration of China's history and culture
Martina Lombardi, a Lingnan University student from Italy, said “I would certainly say that what I really appreciated about this journey, besides the wonderful places and the real history we got to experience firsthand, were the friendships we made with everyone involved in the project. We made a lot of new friends, especially in Beijing.”
Kong Chui-man, a Lingnan Year 2 student, said “One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a true man. Though I didn’t reach the summit, I pushed myself to the limit - and along the way, I saw the most breathtaking views, which makes me a hero in my own way!”
Emerson Cheung Tin-long, a Lingnan Year 2 student, said “On this trip to Beijing, what captivated me most was Peking Opera. Its distinctive blend of singing, recitation, acting, and martial arts, complemented by exquisite costumes and vivid makeup, offered not just a feast for the senses, but also demonstrated the immense charm of Chinese culture and linguistic artistry.”
Chan Kit-ping, a Lingnan Year 4 student, said “What struck me most during this Beijing exchange programme was the Chinese tea ceremony. I not only learnt about the diverse varieties and rich nuances of Chinese tea but also, following the tea master’s philosophy that "the taste of tea reflects the state of one's mind", enjoyed in an immersive experience and discovered the direct connection between the art of tea and self-cultivation.”
Hyun Seung-taek, a Lingnan University student from South Korea, said "Standing in front of the Tiananmen Rostrum, I truly felt the great richness of traditional Chinese culture and the importance of its historical heritage - it was really awe-inspiring!"
The 2025 "Yanyuan Wenhua" Chinese Cultural Experience Camp for Hong Kong and International Students, jointly organised by Lingnan University and Peking University, with Beijing Foreign Studies University as co-organiser, ended successfully on 22 December. Planned and coordinated by the Chinese Language Education and Assessment Centre (CLEAC) of Lingnan University, it reflected national youth exchange initiatives as students immersed themselves in a programme blending academic study with hands-on experience to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary China's social culture and historical legacy.
Conducted under the guidance of the Department of Language Application and Administration of the Ministry of Education, the programme received strong support from universities in Beijing and Hong Kong. It was planned and organised by Prof Song Yayun, Executive Director of the National Language Promotion Base (Peking University), Deputy Head of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, and Tenured Associate Professor at Peking University, and substantial leadership support was provided by Prof Li Donghui, Associate Vice-President (Experiential Learning Projects) of Lingnan University, and Ms Li Weiqun, Deputy Director of the Chinese Language Education Base at Beijing Foreign Studies University. Operational management and on-site execution were overseen by Dr Zhou Bo, Senior Lecturer and the “CHAMPINE Programme” Coordinator at the CLEAC, who handled strategic planning and institutional coordination. Ms Zhang Meng, Lecturer at the CLEAC, took the students to Beijing and enabled the programme’s flawless implementation in association with the hosting teams. The event also benefited from funding and guidance from the Ministry of Education’s "Discover China" Linguistic and Cultural Exchange Programme as well as generous sponsorship from the Lingnan Education Organization (LEO), all of which ensured its seamless realisation.
Six Lingnan students - three local Hong Kong students and three international students selected by a rigorous screening process - participated in the programme, which emphasised ‘synthesising theory and praxis’, and included visits to renowned institutions such as the campuses of Peking University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Tsinghua University. By visiting famous intellectual landmarks such as Yanyuan and the World Languages Museum, students learned about the spiritual foundation of ‘Patriotism, Progress, Democracy, and Science’, and their deep-seated commitment to civilisational mutual learning was strengthened. There were also visits to historical treasures, including the Palace Museum, the National Museum, and the Juyongguan Great Wall, so that the students could experience for themselves the recorded history of Chinese culture. Tours of Nanluoguxiang in Beijing and the Haihe River in Tianjin provided invaluable insights into the cultural and lifestyle aesthetics, and urban environments and scenery of contemporary China. The organisers invited Mr Zhang Hongwei, an expert from the Palace Museum, to explain the cultural connotations of the Forbidden City, and Mr Liu Zhen of the Mei Lanfang Memorial Museum, and Prof Li Hong, an eminent soprano, conducted masterclasses in Peking Opera and vocal performance. By learning and performing classic excerpts, students became aware of the evocative power of traditional arts through a sophisticated linguistic lens.
Lingnan University remains steadfast in its determination to use its international position to reinforce strategic partnerships with Peking University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. By developing exchange programmes centred on the synergy of language and culture, Lingnan seeks to show Hong Kong and international students how to see the subtle nuances of contemporary China, in order to ensure that the excellence of the Chinese heritage flourishes with renewed vitality on the international stage.