Programme: Discover Lingnan Cultural Tour
Partner Institution: Shaoguan University
Period: April 7—10, 2023
I am very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this program. I have been exposed to many new experiences that I have never tried before. For example, I have made soybean milk, bamboo rice, and more. I have also visited numerous historical relics and natural places, enjoyed many breathtaking views, and learned a lot about the history related to Shaoguan.
Shaoguan is a beautiful city. Although its economy is still in the developing stage, no one can deny that its views are so fantastic that everyone should visit this city at least once. The views at Danxia Mountain are incredible and magnificent. The level of difficulty of the hiking trails is quite high and may seem demanding for many hiking newbies, but climbing there is definitely worth the effort because the views are unique. I felt especially great when I took the cable car, as I could catch a glimpse and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole area. The fantastic views motivate me to visit more natural landscapes and tourist spots in the future.
Visits to different museums also improved my knowledge of Shaoguan's history. There is a site where I learned a lot about the history and related knowledge of many surnames in China. We were even asked to take photos of the temples with our surnames on them! That was a fun and educational experience, as I got to know many new things about my ancestors and my surname. These are definitely experiences that I would not have had if I had not participated in the tour.
I hope I still have the opportunity to visit more places in the mainland in the future. This has been a fantastic experience. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the helpers and teachers at Shaoguan University, as without their effort, I could not have enjoyed all the activities provided on the trip. They really helped us a lot during the trip, cared for our needs, and prepared many fantastic activities for all of us. I also made a lot of new friends through this trip! This was a rare opportunity for me to meet new people from other universities in Hong Kong and Macau.