From November 19 to 23, the Student Affairs Department of Nanchang University (NCU) and the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs Office jointly organized the first undergraduate study tour to Hong Kong and Macao for 2025. The program aimed to broaden students' international horizons, enhance their cultural identity and patriotism, and cultivate a new generation with both global competence and a commitment to national rejuvenation. Forty students from various NCU colleges, including those from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, visited Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai. They explored cutting-edge technologies, visited prestigious universities, and reflected on historical landmarks. Through firsthand experience and dialogue, they traced regional development and built consensus. These immersive activities deepened their understanding of the successful "one country, two systems" principle and strengthened the bonds among the young participants.
Exploring the cutting-edge technologies, envisioning the intelligent future
On November 19, the study tour delegation arrived in Shenzhen and visited Fangda Group Co., Ltd. and BGI Genomics. At Fangda Group, students explored the corporate exhibition hall along with production and R&D zones, where they observed demonstrations of dynamic light modulation and energy-efficient temperature control in intelligent curtain walls. Staff experts provided a detailed introduction to the development of new composite materials and their applications in areas such as wind resistance for super-tall buildings and lightweight design in rail transit. This gave the students a direct understanding of how new material technologies are driving the transformation of modern industries. The product performance data and application outcomes displayed on digital screens further brought to life the concept of “technology empowering the real economy.”
Later, the group visited BGI Genomics. The R&D team leader highlighted the company’s mission to “make gene technology benefit humanity,” giving students a clearer picture of the practical models and value of industry-university-research collaboration. During the visit, the delegation divided into four groups for deeper discussions with company representatives on the application prospects of gene technology in areas like birth defect prevention and cancer control, which prompted them to reflect on linking their future studies with innovative practice. Zhao, a student from NCU’s Queen Mary School, remarked: “This visit transformed the abstract idea of ‘cutting-edge technology’ into something tangible. It also showed me the boundless possibilities of applying academic knowledge to serve society.
Visiting prestigious universities, deepening academic exchange
From November 20 to 22, the delegation visited the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and the University of Macau (UM), embarking on a journey marked by profound learning and exchange. At HKU, walking through its century-old red-brick buildings, they immersed themselves in the academic atmosphere of “Sapientia et Virtus.” They also gained insight into the vibrant research culture within its leading disciplines and experienced the unique charm of its multicultural campus. At CUHK, amidst the elegant and classical collegiate cluster, they observed the distinctive college system. Reflecting on the university’s motto “Bo Wen Yue Li” (Through learning and temperance to virtue), they contemplated its educational philosophy of “combining tradition with modernity and integrating Chinese and Western learning.” At UM, enveloped in the innovative atmosphere of the university's modern campus, they grasped the essence of its core values— “Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, Xin” (Humanity, Integrity, Propriety, Wisdom, and Sincerity). They also learned about its holistic educational philosophy and its achievements in international teaching and research.
By touring libraries, teaching buildings, key laboratories, and distinctive residential colleges, the students gained a comprehensive understanding of the educational features and academic ethos of universities in Hong Kong and Macao. In discussions with local faculty and students, they engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics such as curriculum design and academic pursuits, with sparks of ideas flying throughout their conversations. A Hong Kong student, Wang, remarked, “This in-depth exchange has made me truly feel that despite being from different regions, our hearts are connected. We share the same aspirations on the path of pursuing knowledge and research innovation.” The visit not only allowed students to experience a rigorous yet open academic atmosphere and broaden their research horizons, but also, through these intellectual exchanges, fostered emotional bonds and reinforced a shared sense of cultural identity and belonging.
Reflecting on the historical landmarks, strengthening the sense of national identity
From November 21 to 22, the delegation visited Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Square, Macao's Golden Lotus Square, and the Macao Handover Gifts Museum. At Golden Bauhinia Square, students saw the iconic sculpture glistening in the morning sun. Upon arriving in Macao, they admired the golden lotus, a symbol of prosperity, and listened to local students share personal stories of growth since the handover. Inside the Handover Gifts Museum, they lingered over each precious exhibit. Witnessing these historical artifacts provided a tangible connection to Macao's return and fostered a deeper understanding of the great achievements under the "one country, two systems” principle.
On November 23, the delegation toured the Zhuhai Museum. Through its extensive collection of historical artifacts and detailed multimedia displays, they gained a comprehensive understanding of the city's remarkable transformation from a peripheral town into a modern coastal metropolis. Reflecting on the visit, Yuan, a student from the School of Economics and Management, remarked, "This on-site experience deepened our understanding of the achievements under 'one country, two systems.' Studying and traveling with peers from Hong Kong and Macao has not only strengthened our friendships but also highlighted our shared responsibilities and missions as the new generation." By exploring historical landmarks across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, the students perceived development through comparison and deepened their cultural identity through exchange, thereby significantly enhancing their sense of historical responsibility and cultural confidence.
This NCU-led Greater Bay Area study tour was a practical exercise in cross-regional exchange. It offered students an immersive experience that brought the success of "one country, two systems" to life. Through visits to tech firms, universities, and historic sites, participants expanded their academic and professional perspectives. Crucially, the journey fostered stronger cultural bonds and a shared sense of purpose among youth from different backgrounds, solidifying the belief in a common future. Moving forward, NCU is committed to developing such platforms, helping students gain skills and insight through practice and dialogue, thereby fueling further educational integration and youth empowerment.
