A social practice delegation of ten foreign students from Central South University visited Changde on July 6. The delegation toured the Taohuayuan Scenic Area which was depicted in the Peach Blossom Spring written by the famous Chinese poet Tao Yuanming (365-427). The delegation also “followed in the footsteps” of General Secretary Xi Jinping's inspection tours to Changde Hejie (river street) as well as Gangzhongping Village. The participating foreign students came from Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cameroon, Afghanistan, among other countries.
The delegation visited Changde Hejie.
At Pan Nenghui's Wood Carving Studio in Hejie, Lê Thi Thu Hoai from Vietnam pointed to a manuscript several meters long and asked Mr. Pan, "When was this painting created? In which dynasty?" She was fascinated to learn that the work was created based on a collection of essays titled "Recollections of Western Hunan" written by the famous 20th-century writer Shen Congwen. She heartily gave the creation a thumbs up.
The delegation visited the Changde Old Photo Studio.
Walking on the stone road in Hejie, students enjoyed the unique architectural style of the buildings. They gained insights into the fusion of history and urban space and the vitality of Changde’s urban development. At the Changde Old Photo Studio, they witnessed the historical changes of Changde through sets of old photos on display. "Hejie recaptures the flourishing scene of the Western Hunan Wharf described in the works by Shen Congwen," explained Yan Wenmiao, a teacher from the School of International Education of Central South University who accompanied the delegation.
The delegation posed for a group photo at Yuanyang Zoumalou, a traditional opera pavilion.
The ten students were guided to Yuanyang Zoumalou, a traditional opera pavilion, where they took in a distinctive performance stage and enjoyed exhibitions of wood carvings, Taoyuan embroidery works, Lei Cha (ground tea), and paintings on linen. The delegation showed great interest in Chinese culture during the tour, taking photos, listening to the tour guide, making notes, and raising curious questions.
The delegation visited Gangzhongping Village at Xiejiapu Town, Dingcheng District in the afternoon. "In Gangzhongping Village, we will witness the remarkable achievements of demonstration farmland," a Pakistani participant said eagerly after being briefed on a provincial grain production demonstration area.
The delegation posed for a group photo on a demonstration farmland.
"The Changde trip is not only a simple practical activity, but also an insightful exploration, allowing me to witness China's amazing transformation, rich culture and boundless future," said the Pakistani participant, adding that the trip has provided him with firsthand data to support his studies on the topic of "telling China's stories well". He hoped to share what he has seen and heard to more international students, enabling them to understand China's development experience and the fruits of rural development.
This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.
Translator: Xiao Juan
Chinese source: hunantoday
