Students of the University of Macau’s Choi Kai Yau College and Shiu Pong College, with the assistance of the Department of History and the Centre for Chinese History and Culture in UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, participated in a Lingnan culture study tour organised by Jinan University. The three-day study tour provided students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and heritage of Lingnan culture.

During the study tour, students had the opportunity to visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, which is also known as the Chen Clan Academy. Built during the Guangxu era in the Qing Dynasty, the complex is one of the largest existing traditional Guangdong-style buildings and is hailed as the ‘Pearl of Lingnan Architecture’. The complex’s structure adheres to the design and construction methods of traditional Chinese architecture. The hall in the complex is adorned with exquisite decorations, featuring beautiful sculptures that capture the distinctive features of Lingnan culture and carry a sense of historical significance.

Cantonese opera, a vital component of Lingnan culture and a representative art form of Guangdong Yue opera, received special attention during the study tour. On the second day, students visited the Hung Sin-nui Arts Centre in Guangzhou, where they listened to Dr Yu Yong’s introduction to the Cantonese opera, as well as appreciated and learned to sing classic Cantonese operas. Guided by instructors, students also had the opportunity to engage in performing activities. On the final day of the study tour, Prof Sun Enle explained to students Lingnan arts and crafts, including ceramics, carving, and silk weaving. These artistic expressions, to a certain extent, represent a significant part of Lingnan culture and constitute an important component of traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

The study tour enabled students to gain a deep understanding of Lingnan culture, its history and artistic characteristics. The trip also allowed students to explore the nature and meaning of culture from diverse viewpoints and perspectives. Students described the study tour as an invaluable experience for learning and personal growth. They expressed that they would leverage their knowledge to contribute to the development and promotion of Chinese culture.