The third stage of the exchange programme ‘City and Culture’ took place at Fengru College of Beihang University from 30 September to 4 October 2023. The programme is jointly organised by Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC) of the University of Macau (UM), Meng Xiancheng College of East China Normal University, Chongshi College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Fengru College of Beihang University.

Since the launch of the programme in 2019, students and faculty of the four colleges have taken turns to travel to Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Macao for exchanges every year. The theme of the programme is to explore the culture of the four cities, which enables participating students to immerse themselves in the cultural atmosphere of different cities and regions, and enhances their cultural literacy as well as their learning and communication skills. In addition, the programme aims to cultivate students’ patriotism, global perspective, and commitment to promoting Chinese traditional culture through reciprocal visits and social service activities.

Qi Yaning, associate master of CKYC, led 10 students to participate in the exchange programme representing UM. During the five-day programme, students and faculty from UM and the other three universities visited Beihang University’s Shahe campus and Center for Micro-Nano Innovation. They also participated in making aircraft model, a feature activity at the university. Additionally, students and faculty from the four universities visited the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Palace Museum, and Beihai Park to experience the rich history and culture of Beijing. They were then divided into five groups to explore the city from various aspects, including history, humanities, culture, its role as the host city of both the Summer and Winter Olympics, and nature. They explored the streets and alleys of Beijing and experienced the city’s charms and local customs. At the closing ceremony on the last day, each group presented a report on their itinerary, experiences, as well as what they had learned and gained from the five-day exchange programme. The college fellows from each college commented on the students’ presentations and expressed their delight at the friendship established among the students and the success of the exchange programme.

Chan Iat Tin, a student from CKYC, said, ‘From the ice-breaking dinner on the first day to the group presentations on the last day, I have created many wonderful memories with students from the four colleges. This trip not only allowed us to enjoy the cityscape of Beijing, but more importantly, gave us the opportunity to meet students from different backgrounds and explore many new things together.’