From May 14 to 17, the School of International Education organized a social practice and cultural experience program titled “Experiencing China—Exploring the Cultural Heritage and New Development of the Central Plains” in Henan Province for 23 international students from 16 countries, all of whom are recipients of the Chinese Government Scholarship. Led by Gao Yuan, Director of the International Student Enrollment and Administration Office, and Qin Shujie from the School’s administrative office, the group explored the culture of the Central Plains and China’s development through hands-on activities, further promoting cultural exchange between China and other countries.

The students carried out field research on local commerce in Xuchang. At Pangdonglai Times Square, they observed the company’s operating model, brand development, and distinctive service system. Through on-site observation and comparative learning, they gained a better understanding of the underlying dynamics of Chinese business development and experienced a business philosophy that values both ethics and profitability, along with the human touch behind traditional Chinese commerce.

The group also visited No.1 Middle School of Zhengzhou International Air Port Experimental School for an exchange activity. Ice-breaker games quickly brought the Chinese and international students closer and deepened their friendship. At the campus cultural festival, students from China and abroad shared the stage and showcased their talents, highlighting the open and inclusive character of Chinese basic education and its commitment to all-round development in morality, intellect, physical education, aesthetics, and labor. The international students also visited Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, where they gained a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage that blends Chan Buddhism and martial arts, as well as the Chinese values of virtue, strength, inclusiveness, and harmony.

During the program, the students also visited the Longmen Grottoes and the Dongfanghong Tractor Factory in Luoyang, combining cultural exploration with industrial observation. The grand and intricate stone carvings at the Longmen Grottoes demonstrated the sophistication of ancient Chinese sculpture and the inclusive spirit of Chinese civilization. At the tractor factory, the students learned about the development of New China’s agricultural machinery industry and observed the transition from traditional manufacturing to intelligent manufacturing, gaining firsthand insight into the vitality of China’s manufacturing sector.

The final stop was Henan Museum, where the students traced the development of Chinese civilization through the museum’s collections and gained a fuller understanding of Henan’s central place in Chinese history. After the program, the group returned to Beijing safely.

Rich in content and varied in form, the program combined field visits, observation, and interactive exchange, taking international students beyond the classroom and giving them an immersive, firsthand experience of China. It deepened their understanding and emotional connection to the country.

Looking ahead, the School of International Education will continue to build on the Experiencing China series, integrate high-quality resources, and develop signature practical education programs. It will guide international students to become active ambassadors of Chinese culture and bridges of friendship between China and other countries, further contributing to people-to-people exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.