The third stop of “The Development of City and Culture Exchange Program” took place from September 30th to October 4th, 2023, at Fengru College of Beihang University. This project, initiated in 2019, is a collaborative effort among Choi Kai Yau College of the University of Macau, Meng Xiancheng College of East China Normal University, Chongshi College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Fengru College of Beihang University. Each year, students and teachers from these four Colleges visit Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Macau for the exchange of culture and knowledge.

The program aims to delve into the cultural essence of these four cities. This will enable students to immerse themselves in their distinctive local ambience and enrich their cultural literacy and exchange skills. Through reciprocal visits and engaging in social activities, the program aims to foster students to possess the sense of patriotism, the global perspective, and commitment to promoting Chinese traditional culture.

Led by Dr. Qi Yaning, Associate Master of Choi Kai Yau College, a delegation of ten students from the University of Macau participated in this exchange program. During the five-day itinerary, the students from the University of Macau, alongside students and teachers from the other three institutions, visited the Beihang Shahe Campus and the Center for Micro-Nano Innovation (Beihang Nano). Beihang University also offers aircraft model making, a unique feature of the university. Additionally, students from all four colleges explored the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Beihai Park. They immersed themselves in the abundant historical and cultural legacy of Beijing, the ancient capital.

Subsequently, the students and teachers from the four colleges were divided into five groups. These groups were The Red Beijing, The Aesthetic Beijing, The Ancient Beijing, The Olympics Beijing, and The Nature Beijing. These groups dispersed throughout Beijing’s streets and alleys, immersing themselves in the city’s allure and local customs. On the final day, during the closing ceremony, each group presented their experiences and reflections. They expressed their elation and the knowledge gained throughout the five-day journey.

Staff representatives from each college also provided comments and feedback on the students’ presentations. They expressed genuine satisfaction with the students’ achievements, the success of the activities, and conveyed sincere wishes for continued friendships among the four colleges. Furthermore, they expressed heartfelt aspirations for the students to sustain their patriotic enthusiasm and realize their own self-worth.

Chan Iat Tin, a student from CKYC, expressed, ‘From the ice-breaking dinner to the group presentations, I have cherished numerous remarkable memories with students from the four colleges. This trip not only allowed us to marvel at Beijing’s splendid vistas but, more importantly, provided an opportunity to forge friendships with friends from diverse backgrounds. It has nurtured invaluable friendship bonds.

Written By: Thomas Chan

The group photo of four Colleges at the opening ceremony

Students from the four Colleges visited the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall

Students from the four Colleges visited the Center for Micro-Nano Innovation (Beihang Nano)

Choi Kai Yau College Student Xu Xinyue made group presentations in the closing ceremony