From December 12 to 14, the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education, and the People’s Government of Ziyang Municipality successfully co-hosted the event “Perceiving the Land of Abundance—Ziyang Tour of Overseas Students Studying in Sichuan.” In a spirited response to this initiative, Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT) dispatched a distinguished group of international student representatives to partake in this cultural and educational experience. The event brought together over 40 international students and foreign faculty members from 19 countries, hailing from six renowned Sichuan institutions: Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu University of Technology, Sichuan Normal University, Xihua University, Chengdu University, and Ya’an Polytechnic College. They embarked on a journey to Ziyang, where they were granted an authentic, firsthand experience of the city’s dynamic local life, the resonant strides of rural revitalization, and the forward momentum of open economic development. The event provided a rich tableau of Sichuan’s awe-inspiring natural beauty, its colorful cultural heritage, and its vibrant trajectory of innovation and cooperation.
Group Photo
A dynamic exchange between Chinese and international students
Spanning three days, the event unfolded with a thoughtfully curated itinerary designed to immerse the students in the unique cultural and economic fabric of Ziyang. Upon arrival, participants visited several remarkable sites, including the Baosen Lemon Culture Tourism Town, the ethereal Yuanjue Cave, and the cutting-edge Anxin Sports Anta Footwear production facility in An’yue. These visits provided the students with vivid insights into the transformative impact of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization efforts, while simultaneously showcasing the region’s robust industrial capabilities and state-of-the-art management practices.
Group photo at Yuanjue Cave
On the morning of December 13, the group visited the historic residence of Marshal Chen Yi, a towering figure in Chinese history. As the students absorbed the poignant narrative of Marshal Chen’s life—his extraordinary contributions to the founding of the People’s Republic of China and his lifelong commitment to global peace—they were deeply moved by the enduring spirit of sacrifice and heroism. The visit provided them with a profound appreciation of China’s revolutionary legacy and rich cultural traditions.
An unexpected encounter with a group of local schoolchildren added a delightful touch to the experience. When one curious child asked Ibarhat Okobo Joice Rold Yannice, an international student from the Republic of Congo, “Where are you from?” Yang replied with warmth and enthusiasm, “I am from the Republic of Congo, and I am a friend of China,” prompting an outburst of cheers from the children.
CDUT International Student Ibarhat Okobo Joice Rold Yannice taling to local students
The international students also ventured to a variety of other intriguing destinations, including the China Dental Valley Sci-Tech Innovation Park Exhibition Hall, CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd., Ziyang International Digital Nomad Community, Yanjiaba Village’s Rural Entrepreneurship School, and the Sichuan Conservatory of Music’s Airport Economic Zone campus, which is home to its School of Fine Arts. At the “World and Sichuan Lecture Hall” event held at Yanjiaba village, they were treated to mesmerizing performances of Sichuan Opera, including the iconic face-changing and fire-breathing acts. Liu Xuyang, a master of the Dongfeng paper-cutting tradition, also shared his expertise, weaving the history and cultural significance of this unique art form. The students were captivated by the depth of China’s cultural legacy, which left them in awe of its artistic sophistication and timeless charm.
Group photo at CRRC Ziyang
Group photo at Yanjiaba Rural Entrepreneurship School
Experiencing the timeless craft of Dongfeng paper-cutting
At the Sichuan Conservatory of Music’s Airport Economic Zone campus (School of Fine Arts), a profound exchange took place between the international students and local art students. During this interactive dialogue, participants shared their personal observations, discussed cultural perspectives, and exchanged insights on their academic pursuits. Ibarhat Okobo Joice Rold Yannice, representing the international student community from CDUT, expressed his admiration for the experience: “This event has afforded me a deeper understanding of Sichuan’s rich history, cultural vibrancy, and impressive economic strides. It has further cemented my resolve to contribute to international exchange and cooperation. This experience has not only enriched my knowledge of Sichuan’s transport infrastructure, cultural richness, and openness but also inspired me to share these experiences with my friends and family, encouraging them to discover the beauty of Sichuan and the wisdom of China.”
Ibarhat Okobo Joice Rold Yannice speaking at the exchange
According to reports, this event was a key initiative organized by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, designed to align with the provincial leadership’s broader strategies and the objectives outlined at the Sichuan Provincial Conference on Open Development. Its purpose was to provide international students with an immersive, on-the-ground experience that would deepen their understanding of Sichuan’s historical, cultural, and economic evolution, while also fostering cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation. Looking forward, CDUT remains committed to encouraging and supporting more international students to venture beyond the campus, engaging in a broad spectrum of social activities and cultural exchanges that will continue to promote global understanding and the integration of diverse cultures.
