China Unfolded: Language, Culture and Innovation

This summer, a group of university students traded their usual routines for a Chinese adventure, immersing themselves in ancient cities, Mandarin learning and innovative Chinese developments.

Living the culture

In early July, eleven students from Cardiff and Newcastle Universities joined a ten-day programme in China as part of Xiamen University’s International Student Cultural Exchange Summer Camp, where they engaged in linguistic, cultural and academic exploration in both Xiamen and Beijing.

As well as academic lectures on economics, education, traditional medicine and animation, the students joined cultural workshops including fan painting and calligraphy. Their journey also led them through the colonial architecture of Gulangyu Island and the historic streets of Quanzhou, once a major port on the Maritime Silk Road.

Bridging past and future

The group’s experience blended the ancient with the modern: At Xiamen Seeyon IoT Technology Co., Ltd., they explored smart office and environmental monitoring technologies and in Beijing, they climbed the Great Wall and reflected at Tiananmen Square.

An important part of the summer camp was also to give students the chance to practice their Mandarin in real-world contexts. So from ordering food in busy restaurants to asking for directions in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, the group were encouraged to use Chinese in everyday situations. These interactions - though sometimes challenging – were invaluable in helping build confidence and fluency.

Lasting impressions

Guided by Cardiff University Confucius Institute tutor Yangyang Cheng, the students were supported throughout the camp which for many, was transformative.

As Cardiff’s BA Modern Languages and Translation student Deeksha Venkatesh put it:

“Visiting China with Cardiff Confucius Institute was a truly eye-opening experience... The trip has strengthened my interest in cross-cultural exchange, and I plan to use what I’ve learned to support my future studies in languages and translation.”

The summer camp not only enhanced students’ skills, but deepened their understanding of China. As one participant noted: The experience was not just about seeing China; it was about understanding it."