A faculty-student team from the School of International Studies (SIS) at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) recently completed a three-day immersive cultural study tour in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from October 17 to 19. Comprising 16 Chinese and international students, the tour aimed to deepen participants' understanding of Chinese culture through on-site visits and hands-on experiences, effectively preparing the students to serve as cultural ambassadors who can confidently share China's stories with the world.
The team was led by SIS Associate Professors Luo Xuejuan and Zhao Rui. It included 15 students—six international students from Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Jamaica, alongside nine Chinese students majoring in English, Korean, Russian, and International Relations.
Aligning with national priorities to strengthen international people-to-people exchanges, this initiative focuses on enhancing students' practical skills and overall competence. The activity was jointly funded by the "Special Educational Activities for International Students" project under SYSU's Party Committee Student Affairs Department and the SIS "Shí Bèi" (Gathering Pearls) Student Growth Initiative, which was established through a generous gift from alumnus Wu Weixin (Class of 2005).
Under the theme "Roaming Chengdu, Exploring Bashu Civilization," the study tour combined site visits with cultural immersion, allowing students to better appreciate the depth, diversity, and unity of Chinese culture, as well as the nation's contemporary developmental achievements.
On October 17, the group visited the Wuhou Shrine (Temple of Marquis), a unique site honoring both a ruler and his minister. The team reflected on the spirit of dedication embodied by Zhuge Liang. Examining steles and cultural relics, students gained a deeper understanding of the Three Kingdoms period and Confucian culture. Later, they wandered along Jinli Ancient Street, soaking up the distinctive charm of traditional Bashu daily life.
The following day, the team toured the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, observing China's national treasure up close and learning about the country's significant strides in ecological conservation. In the afternoon, the visit to the Sanxingdui Museum provided profound insights , with precious artifacts such as the Bronze Sacred Tree and the Gold Mask vividly showcasing the splendor and mystery of the ancient Shu civilization.
On October 19, students explored the evolution of Chengdu at the Chengdu Museum, using digital exhibition systems to trace the city's development from the ancient Shu era to its current status as a modern metropolitan hub. The team focused particularly on how Chengdu successfully integrates its historical heritage with modern urban planning and cultural preservation efforts.
Huang Qingtian, an international student from Thailand, shared his thoughts after the trip: "This experience deeply captivated me with Chengdu's history, cuisine, and culture—it will remain the most precious journey in my memory".
Du Jingwen, an English major, reflected on the journey: "This trip to Chengdu not only gave me a chance to experience the city's laid-back lifestyle but also helped me forge sincere, cross-border friendships. Different languages and cultural backgrounds never became barriers; instead, through sharing, I truly felt that culture comes alive through exchange".
Looking forward, SIS is eager to welcome more international students to China to witness and experience Chinese culture firsthand. It is hoped that these students will act as effective envoys for cultural exchange between China and other nations, thereby making positive contributions to fostering global understanding.
Writer: Luo Xuejuan, Huang Anni
Video: School of International Studies
