Recently, the International Student Centre at Hunan University organised a group of 138 Chinese and international students from 21 countries to visit Shaoshan, Bancang and Orange Isle in Hunan Province for a red culture study tour.

International students listened attentively to the commentary.

Prior to the event, teachers of Chinese as a foreign language at Hunan University delivered specialised lectures, providing a systematic introduction to the historical figures and revolutionary history relevant to the tour, as well as teaching the students to sing revolutionary songs, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context. During the two-day itinerary, the students visited a series of revolutionary education sites, including Mao Zedong Square, the Former Residence of Mao Zedong and the Memorial Hall of Comrade Mao Zedong, the Former Residence of Yang Kaihui and the Memorial Hall of Yang Kaihui, and Orange Isle.

International students view the exhibits.

At Mao Zedong Square, students from various countries posed for a group photograph in front of the bronze statue of Comrade Mao Zedong. Inside Comrade Mao Zedong's Former Residence and Memorial Hall, the students listened attentively to the commentary, observed historical photographs, documentary materials and artifacts on display, and gained an understanding of China's revolutionary era a century ago — a time of passion and upheaval — and felt the profound impact of that revolutionary struggle.

At Orange Isle, the students recited Chairman Mao's poem "Spring in a Pleasure Garden — Changsha." The well-known lines go:"When, students in the flower of our age,
Our spirit bright was at its height,
Full of the scholar's noble rage,
We criticized with all our might." Standing at the head of Orange Isle, listening to the gentle lapping waves of the Xiangjiang River, the students recited the poem with focused looks and heartfelt emotion. Through the verses, they felt the majestic aspirations and heroic passion of a great man of an era.

Chinese and international students reciting "Spring in a Pleasure Garden — Changsha"

The event featured many heart-warming moments of cross-cultural exchange, with Chinese and international students chatting and sharing their thoughts on topics such as language learning and cultural differences. Nguyễn Khánh Tùng, a Vietnamese student, remarked, "This has been a valuable experience that has deepened our understanding of Chinese culture and history, whilst also strengthening the bonds between international students." Junaid Khan, an international student from Pakistan, remarked, "This experience has opened a valuable window for us, allowing us to witness the journey of Chinese leaders as they toiled tirelessly for the nation, forging glory and a legacy, and it has left us all with precious memories."

Through on-site visits and cultural experiences, this event not only helped international students gain a deeper understanding of China's revolutionary history and "red or revolutionary culture", but also provided an effective platform for promoting mutual learning between civilizations and fostering international friendship.

Chinese source: China Daily