Summer Camp - Study Tour in China
15. August 2023
CIB at UMB, the Confucius Institute for Business at Matej Bel University, launched a 12-day summer camp project for language and cultural experience in early July with the support of the partner university in China, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE). Our students visited two cities, Beijing and Dalian, and the partner university. Summer Camp 2023 - A Study Tour in China - YouTube
I. BEIJING
On July 6, 2023, our students departed from Vienna Airport and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport with almost 13 hours of flight. After a brief break, we started the trip in Beijing.
South Luogu Lane
A Hutong street with a history of over 700 years, South Luogu Lane carries the memories of old Beijing. Every alleyway is a vital part of the cultural heritage, and every homestead tells stories of the past times. It’s like an old Beijinger chatting with their neighbors. Here you can experience the original Hutong culture of Beijing, as the authentic courtyards have been kept most completely among the allies. With its old mansions, courtyards, bars and cafés, our visit is a feast of our eyes, stomach, and mind at the same time.
The Great Wall
As the saying goes, "He who doesn't reach the Great Wall is not a true man." Even a temperature as high as 40 C°can't stop the craze for visiting the Great Wall. This magnificent building construction, resembling a long dragon with more than 10 thousand miles, embodies the sweat and wisdom of millions of ancient working people. The Great Wall had been one of the greatest defense projects in human history, and today it is the most famous landmark of China. The exclamations of 'amazing' are a testament to the students' shock at seeing this scene.
The Forbidden City
The Imperial Palace (Gù Gōng), formerly known as the Forbidden City (Zǐ Jìn Chéng), had been the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. Walking in the Forbidden City is like encountering a brief history of time. It gives the visitors a sense of peace and tranquility. As the most famous Palace Museum in China, it tells stories with its over-a-million rare and valuable works of art and relics. Quite a few students who have watched Chinese TV dramas said that they seem to be in the scenes of those TV series and can truly feel the Chinese court culture.
The Temple of Heaven
A sacred place in the ancient East, the Temple of Heaven has a history of over 600 years. It was a place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests. It is considered the most exquisite architectural complex in China. The Temple of Heaven is also a place of fun – The echo wall, the three-sound stone, the circular mound – All are quite an enjoyment.
Our students also visited other places of interests, such as, the Tiananmen Square, the Bird's Nest (the National Stadium), and the Water Cube (the National Aquatics Center). The exploration of the Chinese capital city allows our students to meet an ancient and modern China.
Superb Cuisine in Beijing
Besides the beautiful scenery and culture, it is unaffordable to miss the Chinese delicacies, Old Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles, Peking Roasted Duck, Beijing Hot Pot, Grilled Skewers, ...
II. DALIAN
After the three-day trip in Beijing, the students took the high-speed rail with their teacher to Dalian and participated in a week-long study tour at DUFE. The study tour is divided into three major sections: Chinese Language Learning, Cultural Experiences, and Local Customs.
Chinese Language Learning
Cultural Experience: Tea Ceremony
Cultural Experience: Calligraphy
Local Customs: City Tour
Local Customs: Museum of Natural History
Local Customs: Delicacies in Dalian
The students said that the study tour in China has made this summer particularly fulfilling and memorable while realizing their dreams of visiting China and increasing their understanding of the country. Some students hope to have the opportunity to study in China and learn more about the ancient and modern civilization, as well as her customs and traditions.
Here, we would like to express our special thanks to the teachers and students of School of International Education at DUFE, and the volunteers of this summer camp. We thank them for their thoughtful arrangements, warm reception, and selfless dedication, which have ensured the first summer camp of CIB at UMB a complete success. They have made the summer camp a precious experience and a pleasant memory for all our students.