From June 28 to July 3, four international students from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) participated in the 2026 ZHI-XING Guizhou Silk Road Youth Exchange Program in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province.

Centered on traditional Chinese culture, Guizhou’s intangible cultural heritage, infrastructure innovation, and ethnic arts, the program provided students from different countries with opportunities to explore Guizhou through lectures, field visits, and hands-on experiences. Through these immersive activities, students discovered the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and remarkable development, gaining deeper understanding and building lasting friendships through learning and interaction.

Embarking on a Journey to Discover Guizhou

The opening ceremony of the 2026 ZHI-XING Guizhou Silk Road Youth Exchange Program was held at Liupanshui Normal University on June 29. Huang Fang, Vice President of Liupanshui Normal University, welcomed participants from different institutions. She expressed her hope that students would gain a closer and more comprehensive understanding of Liupanshui through this program, strengthen friendship through cultural exchange, and deepen cooperation through meaningful interactions.

CAEZAR AL FAJR NIRWANA, an Indonesian student from USTC, delivered a speech as the representative of international students. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the organizers and all the teachers who contributed to the program. He shared that the program provided international students with a valuable opportunity to experience China beyond the classroom. Through this journey, he hoped to gain a deeper understanding of Guizhou and China, and share his experiences with more young people in Indonesia, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and the world.

Experiencing Guizhou through Culture, Innovation and Nature

Following the opening ceremony, students embarked on an immersive journey through Guizhou's culture, innovation, and natural environment.

Through activities featuring traditional Chinese culture, students explored ancient wisdom and creativity through hands-on experiences with traditional puzzles such as the Nine Linked Rings and Luban Lock. They also participated in Guizhou’s intangible cultural heritage workshops, including batik and paper-cutting, where they created their own handicrafts and experienced the craftsmanship and cultural stories behind these traditional arts.

At the Guizhou Bridge Science and Technology Museum, students learned about the history and achievements of bridge engineering development in Guizhou through exhibitions and on-site visits. They gained insight into how innovation and engineering have helped overcome geographical challenges and contributed to regional development.

During their visit to Liupanshui Preschool Education College, students explored Shuicheng farming paintings, experiencing how local artists portray rural life through vibrant colors. They also learned Huadeng folk dance together with students from the college’s Dance Department, feeling the energy and charm of Guizhou’s ethnic culture through music and movement.

Amid the gentle mountain rain, students visited an ecological tea garden, where they experienced tea picking and tea processing. Through hands-on participation, they gained a deeper understanding of Guizhou’s achievements in ecological agriculture and sustainable development, while gaining a better understanding of sustainable agricultural practices in Guizhou.

Combining cultural learning, artistic creation, technological exploration, and ecological experiences, the program enabled international students to gain a deeper appreciation of Guizhou’s diverse culture and the richness of Chinese civilization. It also provided a valuable platform for young people from different cultural backgrounds to communicate, connect, and develop friendships.

Building Bridges through Youth Exchange

 At the closing ceremony, Dr. Huang Fang, Vice President of Liupanshui Normal University, highlighted that the ZHI-XING Guizhou Silk Road Youth Exchange Program serves as an important platform for promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Through this experience, young participants gained insights into cultural heritage, witnessed the power of technological innovation, and developed a more comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture and social development.

She encouraged young people to continue playing an active role as bridges connecting different cultures and contribute their youthful energy to international cooperation and exchange.

This exchange program allowed international students to experience the unique charm of Guizhou—from intangible cultural heritage and ethnic arts to technological innovation and ecological development. Through meaningful interactions and shared experiences, students gained a richer understanding of contemporary China.

 Distance cannot limit friendship, and shared experiences bring hearts closer. Moving forward, USTC will continue to promote international youth exchange programs, encouraging young people from around the world to learn from one another, grow together, and share their experiences of China with people around the world.