Eighty-four international students from 14 schools of Sun Yat-sen University recently embarked on an intensive study tour in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, gaining first-hand insights into China's technological advances and the region's distinctive Lingnan cultural heritage.

Over the two-day visit, participants toured major scientific and cultural sites, including the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, Dapeng Fortress, the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum. The itinerary showcased how innovation, sustainability and cultural preservation intersect in the development of the Greater Bay Area.

For many students, the tour was both eye-opening and inspiring. "I've always admired China's technology, but seeing it up close exceeded my expectations," said Vu Hoang Ngoc Anh from Vietnam. "Now I can truly imagine my future here and feel more connected to the culture."

Francis Chikonzero Kulemeka, a student from Malawi, said the visit to the nuclear power plant deepened his appreciation for China's planned, research-driven approach to development. "It made me realize that much of China's progress is not accidental—it's the result of deliberate innovation and a clear vision," he said.

Indana Zulfa from Indonesia described the experience as a journey through a China that is "modern, cultural and inspiring." She added that the blend of tradition and modernity left her eager to learn more about Chinese society beyond the classroom.

Through immersive, on-site exchanges like this study tour, Sun Yat-sen University's international students not only observed the region's technological momentum but also experienced the openness and creativity of the Greater Bay Area—where culture and innovation grow side by side.

Writer: Ding Zhipeng

Video: Lu Pinzhao