To promote cultural exchange between China and other countries and deepen international students’ understanding and experience of traditional Chinese culture, the International Office of our university recently organized a series of “Beijing Cultural Exploration” activities for international students. The program selected two iconic cultural landmarks—the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Palace Museum—as destinations. Through on-site visits and interactive explanations, the activities offered international students an immersive experience of the profound heritage of Chinese culture.

At the Mutianyu Great Wall, international students climbed the ancient structure and enjoyed panoramic views, personally experiencing the grandeur and historical depth of this world cultural heritage site. As the sun set and the walls were bathed in golden light, many participants were deeply moved. During the visit, Chinese student volunteers actively took on the role of guides, vividly introducing the historical development and architectural ingenuity of the Great Wall, helping international students gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. The toboggan ride on the return journey added a relaxed and enjoyable touch to the cultural exploration.

At the Palace Museum, international students strolled among the red walls and yellow tiles, appreciating the solemnity and exquisite craftsmanship of Ming and Qing dynasty palace architecture. Chinese students continued to serve as cultural bridges, providing detailed explanations on the functional layout of the Three Great Halls and the historical value of the museum’s treasured collections. Chinese and international students paused together in front of ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, engaging in discussions on the artistic features and craftsmanship embodied in the exhibits, bringing history and culture to life through dialogue.

Through the combination of “on-site experience + interactive interpretation,” the two activities not only enabled international students to perceive the charm of Chinese culture through firsthand exploration, but also built a platform for friendly exchanges among young people from different cultural backgrounds. Chinese students demonstrated strong cultural literacy and cross-cultural communication skills during the activities, further strengthening their cultural confidence.

Looking ahead, the university will continue to expand platforms for cultural exchange between China and other countries, design more diverse and content-rich cultural practice activities, and foster an open, inclusive, and mutually enriching international campus atmosphere, injecting new vitality into the internationalization of talent cultivation.

(Contributed by the International Office)