The Development of City and Culture Exchange Program, in the 2025/2026 academic year, successfully concluded with its final stop, the Macao Leg, at UM Choi Kai Yau College, from January 18 to 21, 2026. Students from four universities gathered at CKYC for a memorable cultural immersion, marking the completion of this year’s “Four Seasons, Four Cities” journey. This event perfectly wrapped up the annual cultural exchange journey that spanned four seasons and connected four distinct regions.

Launched in October 2018, the program was jointly initiated by the Fengru College of Beihang University, the Meng Xiancheng College of East China Normal University, and the Choi Kai Yau College of the University of Macau. In the spring of 2019, Chongshi College of Xi’an Jiaotong University joined the initiative, solidifying a collaborative partnership among the four institutions. This “Four Seasons, Four Colleges Exchange Program” features a unique model where students travel each season to one of the four partner colleges located in the east (Shanghai), west (Xi’an), south (Macao), and north (Beijing) of the country for in-depth cultural exchange. This academic year’s cycle has now been completed, having journeyed through spring in Shanghai, summer in Xi’an, autumn in Beijing, and finally, winter in Macao.

Upon their arrival on the evening of January 18th, students from all four colleges immediately bonded through an innovative ice-breaking session. The relaxed and joyful atmosphere helped foster understanding and build the foundation for strong friendships.

The intensive four-day itinerary began with an exploration of the University of Macau campus. Students visited the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI, residential colleges, the university library, and the University gallery, gaining firsthand insight into UM’s “Four-in-One” educational model and its student-centered holistic education philosophy. Additionally, guided by professionals from Studio City Macau, students observed the latest developments in Macao’s distinctive tourism industry. During their stay, participants also joined the vibrant Lunar New Year celebration activity hosted by CKYC House Association — “Full ‘Horse’ Power, Hello Spring Night” , enjoying traditional game booths and celebrating the upcoming Year of the Horse with music and dance.

A highlight of the Macao visit was the specially curated thematic exploration routes: “Natural Macao,” “Historical Macao,” “Cultural Macao,” and “Red Macao.” Guided by student hosts from CKYC, participants delved into the city’s neighborhoods in small groups, experiencing Macao from diverse perspectives. They admired UNESCO World Heritage sites, sampled authentic local and Portuguese-inspired cuisine, and immersed themselves in the region’s rich historical layers and blended cultural landscape.

The packed schedule and meaningful interactions allowed deep bonds to form quickly. At the closing ceremony on the final day, students sincerely shared their fresh impressions of Macao, reflections on their journey, and their appreciation for the profound friendships forged.

As the program concluded, staff and students reminisced about the wonderful memories and personal growth from the past four days, filling the room with warmth and emotion. Though bidding farewell was bittersweet, faces were lit with bright smiles, looking forward to the next reunion promised for spring in Shanghai.

The Macao leg not only provided a perfect ending to this year’s “Four Seasons, Four Colleges” exchange but also strengthened the network between the partner institutions. It deepened the participants’ understanding of the diverse regional cultures and development models within the country. The program remains committed to its founding vision: building broader platforms for youth exchange, fostering mutual cultural appreciation, and nurturing the next generation of talent.

Prof. Garry Wong, Interim College Master of Choi Kai Yau College, welcome the three sister colleges at the opening ceremony for the Macao leg of the Four Seasons College Exchange Program

Visiting UM Library

Visiting the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI

Visiting Macao Museum

Visiting Studio City

Students from three sister colleges performed in the Chinese New year Celebration held by CKYC House Association

Visiting students shared their reflections on Macao’s culture, based on their 4-day exchange program