To implement President Xi’s important directive on "closely integrating classroom learning with rural practice," cultivate young ambassadors for cross-cultural communication, and enhance international students' understanding of Chinese history and culture, the College of International Education, in collaboration with the University's Youth League Committee, organized the "Experiencing China: Guizhou Journey" summer social practice event from July 16th to 20th. Chinese and international students from Italy, Bolivia, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Indonesia jointly conducted thematic research in various locations across Guizhou, including Taijiang, Xijiang, and Zhenyuan.
In Hongyang Miao Village in Taijiang, students and teachers visited traditional Miao architecture, participated in traditional Miao ceremonies, and gained a deep understanding of the village's rich historical heritage. They engaged in friendly exchanges with local villagers, immersing themselves in the distinct ethnic characteristics of the area. At Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, they explored uniquely constructed stilted wooden houses built on hillsides and studied the traditional farming, festivals, and costumes passed down through generations of the Miao people, gaining insight into the long history and development of the Miao ethnic group in China. In Zhenyuan Ancient Town, they visited the Qinglong Cave Ancient Architectural Complex, which integrates Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist, guild, bridge, and courier station cultures and is known as the "Ancient Architecture Museum of Guizhou." The students marveled at its grandeur, bold design, and intricate layout.
A highlight of this social practice was the invitation from the Taijiang government to participate in the "Village BA" basketball event in Taipan Village. The students and teachers engaged in a friendly basketball match against the Taipan Village team. Before the game, both teams exchanged souvenirs, and the match was thrilling, with the stands packed and cheers resounding. After intense competition, the ECUST team of Chinese and international students emerged victorious, winning 83-70 against the Taipan Village team. This exchange allowed the students and teachers to gain a deeper understanding of Taijiang culture and experience the professionalism and passion of the "Village BA" basketball culture, renowned both in China and abroad. The students expressed their enthusiasm for promoting the basketball spirit and culture of the "Village BA" to friends both at home and internationally, with the hope of bringing this unique cultural phenomenon to a broader international stage.
Through this social practice, Chinese and international students gained a deeper understanding of Guizhou's ethnic customs, historical culture, and economic development, enhancing their awareness of Southwest China. The international students, in particular, stepped out of the classroom to observe China with their own eyes, listen to China with their own ears, and experience China with their own steps.
