From April 27 to 28, 2025, the Office of International Cooperation and the International College of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) jointly organized a themed social practice activity titled “Perceiving China - Visiting the Red Land and Observing the Blossoms of Revitalization.” The event took place in Longma Village, Yanzihe Town, Jinzhai County, Anhui Province—a village supported by USTC as part of its ongoing efforts to contribute to rural revitalization.
Led by Prof. Qu Kun, Director of the Office of International Cooperation, with Deputy Directors Mr. Wang Chen and Ms. Shen Yizhu, and accompanied by department staff, the delegation brought together 12 international students from 11 countries. The group embarked on a field study to observe firsthand the progress of rural revitalization and to explore how grassroots practices are shaping Chinese modernization.
The visit began at the Longma Observatory Station of the SKA Radio Telescope, a major scientific project located in the village. Through in-depth briefings and site exploration, the students learned about the observatory’s research plans, its impact on scientific advancement, and its contribution to local education and economic growth. The experience demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can be a powerful driver of rural development.
Under faculty guidance, students visited local households, engaging in heartfelt conversations with elderly villagers who shared their experiences of life before and after the implementation of revitalization policies. These personal stories offered students a vivid look into how national strategies translate into real-world improvements in people’s lives, helping them connect policies with tangible outcomes.
A highlight of the visit was the seminar on rural revitalization, during which the USTC village work team shared the university’s 11-year journey of supporting Longma Village. They introduced a wide range of initiatives that have taken root over the past decade, including the vigorous development of ecological agriculture and the steady construction of major scientific infrastructure such as the SKA Observatory. The team also presented achievements in educational support, from student aid to classroom resources, and outlined effective practices in environmental governance, including local wastewater treatment efforts. In addition, they described how cultural tourism projects have flourished in recent years, further contributing to the village’s economic and social vitality. Through this dialogue, international students witnessed how USTC actively engage in rural revitalization, integrating talent, technology, and educational resources into every aspect of village development.
On April 28, Deputy Director Shen Yizhu and faculty from the International College led the students to Yanzihe Experimental School for a cultural exchange program. Divided into three groups, the international students visited seventh-grade classrooms to introduce their home countries’ cultures in both Chinese and English, offering rural children a glimpse into the wider world. The event continued with games of football and Chinese chess, as well as handwritten message exchanges, fostering warm and joyful interactions that bridged cultural and linguistic gaps.
This field trip is a signature part of the “Experiencing China” brand series initiated by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). By walking through country lands, exploring revitalized villages, visiting key technological projects, and engaging in cross-cultural communication, international students not only witnessed the results of China’s rural development strategies but also saw firsthand the meaningful role that USTC plays in contributing to national development. The journey enriched their understanding of China’s governance system, social landscape, and modernization path, bringing them one step closer to perceiving a real, diverse, and dynamic China.
