Hunan has long been praised for great local features and fascinating scenes. As a result, the Section or Student Exchange Programmes, Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges, held a 5-day trip from 19th to 23rd September 2018 to Hunan for the exchange students in Nanjing University. Students from worldwide walked around the Province and were fully engaged in different activities. From Changsha to Zhangjiajie, every step they took strengthened their understanding towards the Xiangxi culture, as well as the well-established Chinese culture.
In Changsha, students got to understand the stories of Chinese civilization. Ancient traditional clothing, food and entertainment—- The Han dynasty has revived in the Museum of Hunan Province. Apart from that, exchange students also visited the Hunan University, Zhao Yahui,deputy director of Division of International Programs, has given the lecture "History and Culture of Hunan "to exchange students.Formerly known as the ‘ Yuelu Academy “, is a historic educational base in China. In the campus, young adults from all around the world got to know more about the Xiangxi culture and the Chu culture. The classic poem “Li Sao” written by Qu Yuan was even translated to English. Hence foreign students had the chance to gain more insights into this piece of amazing Chinese poem! It is no doubt that the beauty of Chinese literature will be the key to cultivate foreigners’ interest towards our culture.
After around 6.5 hours on bus, exchange students arrived at the Ancient Town of Fenghuang. The ancient town was filled with Miaozu feature and all sorts of stunning architectural views. Students were impressed by the landscape and they became more eager to know about different local features and traditional customs. Some students also tried to wear the traditional costumes with Miaozhu characteristics! Moreover, the visit to the former residence of Shen Congwen also introduced modern Chinese literature to the foreign students. Some of the students even bought the famous novel “The border town” written by Mr Shen. It’s is no doubt that the exchange students are so attracted by Chinese culture!
When the 5-day trip almost came to an end, exchange students visited Zhangjiajie. Under the well-planned itinerary, exchange students went to every single scenic spot in the Yuanjiajie area. During the ride on the Bailong elevator, the tallest outdoor elevator in the world, students were astonished by the natural scenery filled with spectacular rocks and tall mountains. Appreciation and exclamation from different languages were the best evidence of students’ happiness and unforgettable experience in Zhangjiajie.
With the effort of teachers, local students and local tour guide, students had a memorable and enjoyable tour in Hunan. While language barrier might be a concern for most students before the trip began, all exchange students eventually became closer to each other. Most importantly, it is our earnest hope that the trip had allow our foreign friends to understand how fascinating Chinese culture is, and hopefully our valuable culture will be better known in everywhere else on this planet!