At Sun Yat-sen University, a single elective can open a door.

Xiao Bai, a Chinese undergraduate at SYSU, stepped into Prof. Li Shina's Cantonese opera class — and discovered a passion that would travel across the world.

He trained in Tangjiawan Ancient Town, learned from master performers, and immersed himself in Lingnan culture. When he later went to Oxford for further study, his suitcase carried opera costumes instead of luxuries.

On overseas stages, he performed classics, held cultural sharing sessions, and brought the film White Snake to Oxford audiences. One course planted a seed; one student became a bridge.

This is how SYSU nurtures cultural confidence — and sends it global.