Huaqiao University (HQU) launched its summer social practice program themed on “Tracing Footprints of Leaders, Decoding Dynamics of a Transformative Era”, to study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important address, and the guidelines for themed summer social practice issued by the Education Working Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee. From July 19 to 22, a team of 40 students and teachers led by HQU Vice President Wang Xiuyong undertook a study tour in Jiujiang and Jingdezhen (China’s porcelain capital), Jiangxi Province.

Their first stop was the Jiujiang section of the Yangtze River National Cultural Park where the camp members reviewed the important speeches made by General Secretary Xi, studied his thought on ecological civilization, and learned about the achievements of ecological conservation along the Yangtze River. The participants also visited some famous attractions including the Pipa Pavilion, Suojiang Tower and Xunyang Tower, and engaged in a cultural activity “Where History Flows: A Poetic Exploration of the Yangtze River”. A fruitful dialogue took place between the team and the United Front Work Department of the CPC Jiujiang Municipal Committee and Jiujiang Cultural Tourism Development Group, which further consolidated the existing cooperation in the co-established off-campus education base for HQU Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan students to deepen their understanding of Chinese history and realities.

During their Jingdezhen visit, the camp had productive talks with the United Front Work Department of the CPC Jingdezhen Municipal Committee and Taobo City (Ceramic Expo City) International Educational Tourism Center concerning the partnership in establishing the education center, and participated in the official unveiling of Jingdezhen education base for HQU Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese students. Then they explored Ceramic Expo City, Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District, San Bao International Ceramics Valley, Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum, and Jingdezhen Ancient Kilns & Folk Customs Expo Area, interacted with the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage to discover traditional ceramics skills and techniques. They indulged in practical experiences like crafting and painting ceramics, thus immersing themselves in the rich tradition of Chinese ceramic artistry.

Yu Kailin, a second-year tourism student from Macao shared her feelings: “The study tour to Jiujiang and Jingdezhen provided us with a more comprehensive understanding of their historical background and we were struck by the Jingdezhen ceramic art. The innovation and development of Chinese ceramic art speaks volumes: a drive for excellence, an expectation for a better life and a firm grip on the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.”

Lin Shiyuis a Malaysian student in her junior year at School of Journalism & Communication.Linwas surprised when she learned that while “China” names our nation, it also signifies the exquisite porcelain that originated here. “Ceramics transcend mere craftsmanship, and it is a cultural icon that carries the memories of history, the wisdom of the ages, and plays a vital role in Chinese culture. My firsthand experience here has given me a clearer understanding of the Chinese saying ‘瓷运即国运’  (The success of the ceramics industry is a barometer for the overall well-being of the nation.) and the guidelines General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed at the meeting on cultural inheritance and development. I want to give people a glimpse into the beauty and depth of Chinese ceramics culture through my lens and stories.”

“This tour was deemed a remarkable success and an enriching ideological-political course,” remarked many students and teachers. They agreed that a profound understanding of the strong vitality in the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture is essential to the promotion and advancement of Chinese culture.

The Interactive Session Involving Camp Members and Jiujiang Relevant Sectors

HQU camp members pose for group photo in front of the Pipa Pavilion.

Getting Hands-on Experience with Ceramic Making and Painting

At the Wrap-up Meeting

(Editor: Wei Linying)