On April 2, 2025, the College of International Education of ECUST organized the "Perceiving China: A Journey to Chongming, Embracing the Beauty of Diverse Cultures and Ecology" event. All together 53 international students from countries including Russia, Morocco, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan participate in this meaningful journey. This activity was not only a deep exploration of city ecological culture but also marked a significant achievement in university-local collaboration.
During the collaboration launch ceremony, Chen Lijun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Chongming District Committee and Head of Publicity Department, highlighted Chongming’s achievements as Shanghai’s ecological barrier, including the Dongtan Wetland’s designation as a World Natural Heritage site and the integrated development of rural revitalization and ecological economy. He emphasized that the perspectives of international students would bring new momentum to Chongming’s growth.
Zhu Weihong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice President of ECUST, stated that the event embodied the university’s educational philosophy of "integrating knowledge with practice." Through the establishment of joint practice bases, the university aims to leverage its strengths in art design and international education to support Chongming’s ecological island development and cultivate "new-quality talents" with a global vision.
During the ceremony, participants also witnessed milestones including unveiling of the ECUST Practical-Teaching Base and International Students’ Eco-Cultural Practice Base, as well as the signing of an industry-academia-research cooperation agreement between ECUST School of Art Design and Media and Chongming District Greening and City Appearance Administrative Bureau.
The international students then visited the Gardening Village in Gangyan Town, the Chinese Sturgeon Dream Park, and the Dongtan Wetland Park. In the Horticulture Village, they experienced the vibrant rural culture and floral industry. At the Chinese Sturgeon Dream Park, they learned about China’s remarkable efforts in endangered species conservation. In the Dongtan Wetland, they wandered through fields of purple flowers, observed Yangtze alligators up close, and gained insights into the "Eastern wisdom" of ecological preservation.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sami from Bangladesh marveled at the economic value of the village’s bonsai trees. Indonesian art student Jessica, inspired by the vibrant landscapes, shared how Chongming’s ecological efforts deepened her passion for art.
This event served as a cultural and ecological bridge, offering international students a window into China’s development philosophy while opening new avenues for university-local collaboration. Moving forward, the university will continue to strengthen its partnership with Chongming, enhance the "Perceiving China" brand, and share China’s stories with the world.
