From ancient fossils to cutting-edge farming and sustainable tourism, a group of international students recently explored how Shaoguan, a city in northern Guangdong, bridges its rich past and forward-looking present.
Between October 15 and 17, 61 students from 26 countries, including France, Germany, Thailand, and Peru, joined a three-day study trip to the city. The trip, organized by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, also included students from South China University of Technology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou University, and Guangdong Mechanical and Electrical Polytechnic.
International students take a group photo during their Shaoguan trip.
Their journey began at the Maba Man Site Park, where the 130,000-year-old skull fossil of "Maba Man," one of South China's earliest known humans, was unearthed. "I'd heard about the Maba Man before, but seeing the site in person was incredible," said Khalid from Pakistan. "China's ancient history is vast and full of stories that draw you in."
International students visit Maba Man Site Park, Shaoguan.
Cultural immersion followed in different parts of the city, where students tried their hand at traditional wood-fired pottery, watched folk performances, and visited a rice wine workshop to see how the local brew is still crafted by hand.
International students present the pottery they made.
International students are watching a folk performance.
International students visit a local rice wine brewery.
Shaoguan's modern side came to life during a visit to an automated mushroom production base, where smart cultivation systems and temperature-controlled workshops illustrated how technology is reshaping agriculture. "I thought Shaoguan would be an ordinary small city," said Lea from Germany. "But I was surprised to see how innovation and tradition grow side by side here."
International students visit a mushroom factory in Shaoguan.
Later, the tour took them to Danxia Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site famed for its red sandstone formations. Beyond the stunning natural scenery, a night cultural show featuring opera face-changing and a spectacular "iron flower" performance, where molten metal is tossed into the air to create a shower of sparks, also amazed the students.
"Shaoguan combines nature and tourism experiences so well," said Sjamsoejadi from Indonesia. "You can tell how much effort the city has put into tourism, which is making it more and more attractive for visitors," he believed.
Students take photos at Danxia Mountain, Shaoguan.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan, Wu Fengxia (Intern)
Photo | Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
