The Student Residence Office (SRO) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) organised a study tour to Lushan, Jiangxi, in May to deepen students’ understanding of the history, culture and developments in the mainland. The tour also aimed to broaden the students’ horizons and help them achieve holistic growth through diverse off-campus learning activities. During the five-day trip, 30 CityUHK students from various disciplines visited numerous natural, historical and cultural sites.

Nina Tung Wai-nam, a Year 4 student in the Department of Data Science, said that she joined the trip simply to relax with her dormitory friends after the exams. However, the trip was very memorable and fulfilling for her, she said. She mentioned that the most memorable part of the trip was climbing Lushan, as it was not easy. The Lushan terrain is very high and steep. Before the climb, they had to take an hour-long bus ride, which involved hundreds of sharp turns, to reach the secluded town of Lushan and begin the climb.

“Although it was quite tiring, it was worth it. The scenery at the top of Lushan is the most magnificent I have ever seen. It was like being in a sea of clouds,” she said.

She also recalled that when visiting Jingdezhen, one of China’s three ancient porcelain capitals, the group was amazed by the outstanding porcelain-making techniques. She said that when a craftsman shared his porcelain works with them, they found his porcelain as thin as paper and slightly translucent under the light, revealing the Chinese characters and patterns he had carved.

She said the trip had given her a deeper understanding of Jiangxi from different perspectives. “You must travel to a place if you want to understand it,” she said. “Moreover, I realised that the current achievements of our country are due to the blood and sweat of previous generations. The prosperity and stability we enjoy today did not come easily, and we should cherish it.”

Yeung Chung-yui, a Year 4 student in the Department of Data Science, said that he previously had more opportunities to visit first-tier cities in the mainland, such as Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, but this trip allowed him to visit Jiangxi, a city he rarely had a chance to visit.

He added that he was most impressed by the Wangxian Valley. Despite the steep terrain, there were still many pavilions on the mountain slope, creating a striking scene. The trip also deeply impressed upon him the local spirit of “l(fā)iving with the mountains”.

They both expressed a strong interest in travelling to different places and provinces in the future to learn more about each location's unique historical background and cultural heritage. “As a common saying goes, travelling provides far greater benefits than mere book learning,” he said. “Study tours can help us better understand the historical development of a place and gain a deeper appreciation of history. I look forward to having the opportunity to visit more provinces in mainland in the future to experience the people and events there and to witness the rapid development of the country.’”