Corporate
Sanming University carries out unique winter vacation social practice activity in Southeast China’s Fujian Province
China Correspondent: To facilitate a profound comprehension of China’s esteemed traditional culture among international students and teachers and to promote cultural exchanges between China and other nations, Sanming University initiated a distinctive winter vacation social practice program titled “Drawing Wisdom from Classics of Chinese Thought and Telling Chinese Stories Well.”
From January 20 to 21, 2025, the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages) of Sanming University, in collaboration with the International Cooperation and Exchange Office, organized this event in Youxi County, Sanming City, Fujian Province, China. During the event, the delegation visited Guifeng Ancient Village, the Confucian Temple, the Zhuzi Cultural Garden, and other significant sites to gain hands-on experience and deepen their understanding.
The social practice team arrived at Guifeng Ancient Village in Youxi County on January 20. In the ancient village, the well-preserved ancient structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties are dispersed in an orderly fashion, each one containing a profound historical and cultural heritage. All participants walked along the ancient stone road and had the opportunity to explore traditional landmarks, including the Cai Clan Ancestral Hall and the Stone Seal House. They also gained insights into ancient family culture and architectural techniques. Furthermore, by interacting with the locals, they experienced the unique folk customs of Youxi and enjoyed its distinctive cuisine.
While exploring the ancient dwellings of Guifeng, Makhmudova Mushtariybegim, an international student from Uzbekistan, expressed a deep fascination with the daily life of the past. She shared that experiencing these historical residences firsthand provided her with valuable insights into the living conditions of ancient times. “The traditions here are truly captivating, offering a culture that feels both familiar and new to me,” she remarked.
On January 21, the social practice team visited the Confucian Temple and Zhuzi Cultural Garden in Youxi County. Within the Confucian Temple, all individuals experienced the grave ambiance of Confucian culture and gained a deeper understanding of the ancient education system and its protocols. At the Zhuzi Cultural Garden, they acquired a comprehensive understanding of Zhu Xi’s life, actions, philosophies, and beliefs. Zhu Xi, the preeminent figure of Neo-Confucianism during the Song Dynasty, has had a profound influence on both Chinese and global culture. The international students and teachers attentively listened to the explanations, scrutinized the artifacts, and acquired a comprehensive understanding of Zhu Xi culture.
Cheick Amadou Tidiane Ouattara, a foreign teacher from Mali, described his visit to the Youxi County Confucian Temple and the Zhuzi Cultural Garden with his students as an unforgettable cultural experience. He was deeply impressed by the solemn atmosphere of Confucian culture and gained a greater appreciation for the strictness of ancient Chinese education and etiquette. He also mentioned that the visit provided him with a deeper understanding of Zhu Xi’s life and philosophical beliefs. “Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism had a profound influence on the development of the Chinese nation and extended beyond China. Its contribution to global culture is undeniable, holding a significant place in history,” he remarked.
According to Yu Shuiqing, a teacher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages) at Sanming University, this social practice activity not only enables international students to integrate more effectively into Chinese culture but also offers them a platform to exchange ideas, learn, and showcase themselves. “Sanming University will continue to hold more such activities to promote the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, collaborate and cooperatively advance the preservation and advancement of China’s exceptional traditional culture in the future,” she added.
Over 20 teachers and students from Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, Indonesia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Russia attended this distinctive winter vacation social practice activity.
Corporate
International Seminar at Peking University Explores the Contemporary Relevance of Edgar Snow’s Legacy
An international seminar titled “The Contemporary Value of Edgar Snow’s Spirit” was held at Peking University on Tuesday (July 8), bringing together scholars, journalists, researchers and young representatives from around the world to examine the enduring legacy of renowned American journalist Edgar Snow and his role in fostering greater understanding between China and the international community.
Jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Peking University, and organized by the Xinhua Institute, the seminar marked the conclusion of a six-day research and study tour conducted from July 2 to 7, retracing Snow’s historic journey through Shaanxi Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
During the field program, participants followed the route taken by Edgar Snow during his landmark reporting in northern Shaanxi, gaining firsthand insight into the locations that inspired his influential book, Red Star Over China. Organizers said the journey offered international delegates a deeper understanding of China’s revolutionary history, development path and the values that continue to shape the country’s modernization.
The delegation visited several key revolutionary sites, including Yan’an and Zhidan County, where they toured museums, memorial halls and former headquarters associated with the Chinese Red Army. They also explored the former site of the Counter-Japanese Military and Political University, the Bao’an Revolution Site Memorial Museum, and memorials commemorating the Red Army’s arrival in northern Shaanxi. Guided tours and historical exhibitions highlighted the hardships, determination and ideals of China’s revolutionary period.
As part of the program, participants attended the themed sharing session “Retracing Snow’s Route,” where scholars and guests discussed the lasting influence of Edgar Snow’s reporting on global perceptions of China. Delegates also watched the immersive theatrical production “Thirteen Years in Yan’an,” which vividly portrayed the revolutionary era through contemporary storytelling.
The itinerary extended beyond revolutionary history to showcase China’s progress in ecological conservation and sustainable development. In Zhongwei and other locations in Ningxia, participants learned about environmental protection initiatives along the Yellow River, the achievements of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, and China’s efforts to balance ecological preservation with economic growth. Organizers noted that these visits demonstrated how former revolutionary regions have evolved into examples of green development and rural revitalization.
The delegation also traveled to Tongxin County, visiting the Red Army Westward Expedition Memorial Hall and other significant historical sites. Participants joined the Red Tongxin Forum, where they exchanged views with scholars and local representatives on the historical significance of the Long March, Edgar Snow’s reporting and the importance of preserving revolutionary heritage for future generations.
Addressing the seminar, speakers emphasized that Edgar Snow’s commitment to truth, objective journalism and cross-cultural communication continues to inspire journalists, academics and young people worldwide. They noted that his work presented a more authentic picture of China to the international community and helped build a foundation for mutual understanding between China and other countries.
International delegates said retracing Snow’s historic journey allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation of China’s history, culture and development beyond what could be learned through books or media reports. They described the experience as an opportunity to engage directly with historical sites, scholars and local communities.
According to the organizers, the initiative aims to strengthen international exchanges by encouraging firsthand engagement with China’s history, culture and development. By retracing Edgar Snow’s footsteps and promoting dialogue among scholars, journalists and youth from different countries, the program seeks to carry forward the values of truth, friendship and mutual respect that defined Edgar Snow’s legacy.
The event brought together approximately 200 representatives, including members of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, Snow’s family members, experts, scholars and Generation Z youth from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Egypt, Armenia and several other countries.
The Rotary Club of Sonargaon Dhaka has elected its new Board of Directors for the Rotary Year 2026–2027. Prominent banker Mohammad Sahin Uddin has been elected as President of the Club.
The newly elected 17-member Board also includes Shahidul Alam as General Secretary and Abu Shaheen as Treasurer. The Board will lead the Club and oversee its activities for the next one year.
Mohammad Sahin Uddin is a distinguished banking professional with extensive experience in the financial sector. He is actively involved in several professional and social organizations and currently serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Bankers’ Club, the Accounting Alumni Association, University of Dhaka, the Bankers’ Welfare Association, and several other organizations.
Expressing his gratitude to the members for their confidence and support, Mohammad Sahin Uddin said that he is committed to upholding Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” by strengthening the Club’s humanitarian initiatives in the areas of education, healthcare, community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. He emphasized that, with the active cooperation of all members, the Club will continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
The newly elected Board reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the Club’s proud legacy while expanding its community service initiatives and promoting the ideals and values of Rotary through impactful projects over the coming year.
Journalists and media professionals have participated in a six-day international media tour in China’s southern island province of Hainan, offering participants a first-hand look at the province’s rapid transformation into a global tourism destination, a high-standard free trade port, and a model of green and sustainable development.
The international media exchange program, titled “Why China: Walking in Lingshui,” was held from June 21 to 26 with the aim of introducing Hainan’s development achievements to a global audience through the perspectives of international journalists, editors, communication experts, and digital media creators.
Rather than focusing solely on Hainan’s picturesque beaches and tropical landscapes, the program highlighted the province’s progress in free-trade-port development, ecological conservation, cultural preservation, technological innovation, medical tourism, international education, and rural revitalisation.
The event was jointly hosted by the Hainan Provincial International Cultural Exchange Center and the People’s Government of Lingshui Li Autonomous County. It was jointly organised by the Hainan Branch of China News Service (Beijing) International Communication Group Co., Ltd., and the Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports Bureau of Lingshui Li Autonomous County.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, organisers noted that although many people around the world still associate Hainan primarily with beaches and tropical tourism, the island has become one of China’s most important platforms for high-level reform and opening up. They said the program was designed to allow international media representatives to witness these developments first-hand and share authentic stories about Hainan with audiences worldwide.
One of the highlights of the tour was Lingshui Li Autonomous County, located on the South China Sea coast. Widely regarded as one of Hainan’s fastest-growing coastal regions, Lingshui combines stunning natural scenery with rich ethnic heritage while emerging as a center for tourism, international education, digital technology, and the marine economy.
During the six-day program, participants visited a number of key destinations, including Boundary Island Scenic Area, Diaoluoshan National Forest Park, Haifeng International Film and Television Base, the Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone, Hainan Ocean Paradise, Shuang Fanshi Marine Sports Center, the Former Site of the Qiongya Soviet Government, the Danjia Museum, Nanwan Monkey Island, Tropical Forest Expo Park, and Qiling Characteristic Village.
The delegation observed Lingshui’s pristine ecological environment, experienced the unique traditions of the Danjia fishing community, explored sites of revolutionary history, and learned about local initiatives in environmental conservation, rural revitalisation, international education, digital film and television production, coastal leisure tourism, and marine sports.
Many participating journalists said the visit had changed their perception of Hainan. They noted that beyond its reputation as a tourist destination, the province has developed into a dynamic center for free trade, technological innovation, education, healthcare, and ecological protection.
Several participants also commented that Hainan’s integrated approach—combining economic development with environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation—could serve as a valuable reference for many developing countries.
The program brought together journalists, editors, communication specialists, overseas Chinese-language media representatives, and international bloggers from 12 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, including Bangladesh.
For Bangladesh, the experience carries particular significance as bilateral cooperation with China continues to expand in trade, investment, tourism, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges. Participants observed that Hainan’s Free Trade Port could offer new opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses, students, tourists, and investors in the years ahead.
Once known primarily for its tropical beaches, Hainan is now positioning itself as a global hub for innovation, education, healthcare, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Through initiatives such as the “Why China: Walking in Lingshui” media tour, the province hopes to strengthen international understanding of its development model while sharing the story of China’s high-quality opening-up with the world.
