International students prepare to embrace the culture of Guizhou

Ipatenkova Yulia, a Russian student, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of 40 international students from 24 different countries, currently studying at 24 universities in China, embarked on a seven-day trip to explore the cultural wonders of Guizhou on June 2.

Divided into two groups, they will begin their journey from Guiyang city to Luodian county and Sandu Shui autonomous county, renowned for their rich cultural heritage and diversity.

One of the students, Ipatenkova Yulia, a Russian doctoral student from Northeast Normal University with more than 10 years of exposure to China, shared her expectations for the trip. Being a fan of Chinese culture, she eagerly anticipated learning more about the customs and traditions of rural Guizhou. "Coming from a rural background in Russia myself, I feel a personal connection to the countryside, and I am excited to delve deeper into the cultural fabric of Guizhou's villages," she said.

Three Philippine students from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Jiaotong University and Beijing Institute of Technology meet in Guizhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guizhou boasts nearly 1.26 million hills, as well as breathtaking canyons and rivers, with over 900 rivers spanning more than 10 kilometers in length. The development of the region necessitates the construction of bridges, which hold both practical and symbolic significance. To familiarize themselves with Guizhou, the students began their journey by exploring the bridge culture of Guizhou at the museum of Guizhou Communications Polytechnics.

Ruchiraporn Paengchantuek, a Thai student from Guizhou Minzu University, expressed her perspective on the role of international students as bridges of communication between different cultures. Comparing her hometown to Guizhou, she noted that while bridges were common, bridges spanning mountains were rare. "As international students, I believe that we have a responsibility to foster cross-cultural understandings and act as conduits for communication between diverse cultures," she said.

International students learn the bridge culture of Guiyang at the museum of Guizhou Communications Polytechnics. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhang Xiaosong, a professor from Guizhou Normal University with over 20 years of experience in studying culture and tourism, emphasized the significance of international students, particularly those from Generation Z, participating in such cross-cultural exchange activities. "Their involvement not only facilitated economic development between countries but also strengthened interpersonal connections and bonds between people," said Zhang.

The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, the Publicity Department of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, the Department of Education of Guizhou Province and the Guizhou Provincial Department of Transportation, with the aim of promoting study in China and establishing Guizhou as a renowned destination for international students.