From December 12 to 14, the " Perceiving the Land of Abundance - Ziyang Tour of Overseas Students Studying in Sichuan Province" event took place in Sichuan. Organized by the Sichuan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Education Department of Sichuan Province, and the Ziyang Municipal People's Government, the event brought together over 40 international teachers and students from 19 countries and regions, representing six universities, including Chengdu University and Southwest Jiaotong University. Participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sichuan. Claudia Jonanne Molyneux Brookes, a British faculty member from our college, represented Chengdu University in this event.
Throughout the three-day itinerary, Claudia and the team explored various locations in Ziyang, including Anyue County, Lezhi County, Yanjiang District, and the Airport Economic Zone. They enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the Anyue Baosen Lemon Scenic Spot, witnessing firsthand the vitality that the lemon industry brings to the local rural economy. At the Anyue Yuanjue Cave Scenic Area, they marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details of ancient stone carvings. They also visited the Anta Shoes (Anyue) production base, gaining insight into the impressive capabilities behind the "Made in China" craftsmanship and processes. The group further explored Marshal Chen Yi's Former Residence, the China Dental Valley, and CRRC Ziyang. They were treated to spectacular performances of Sichuan Opera, including the art of face-changing and fire-spitting, and engaged in traditional crafts like paper-cutting. These allowed them to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chinese culture while reflecting on the transformative developments of modern China amidst a blend of history and contemporary technology.
Experiencing paper cutting
Participating in the discussion
After the event concluded, Claudia enthusiastically shared her experience. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for curating such a rich and enjoyable experience. She noted that this was her first trip to China and her first genuine encounter with the strength of "Made in China." She observed the seamless integration of traditional and modern China and was deeply impressed by the remarkable achievements and challenging journey of the country's development, captivated by the rich cultural history and breathtaking natural scenery of Sichuan, and amazed by the abundance of lemon trees. Claudia conveyed her satisfaction with her life in Sichuan and expressed hopes of participating in more similar activities in the future, particularly to get up close with the long-admired giant pandas, a national treasure of China. She expressed her intent to share her authentic experiences of China with family and friends, encouraging them to learn more about Sichuan,pay a visit, and fall in love with the province.
Editor: Min Xiuling Executive Editor: Lyu Jia
