The Faculty of International Tourism and Management (FITM) and the Department of Tourism Management of South China University of

Technology (SCUT) have joined forces to organise the "New Cultural Tourism Summer Study Camp for Young Students from Guangdong,

Hong Kong and Macau". The camp took place on 6 June 2023 at 7:00 p.m. with the opening ceremony at SCUT's University City Campus.

Group photo of teachers and students at the opening ceremony

The occasion was chaired by Executive Associate Dean, Li Xi and faculty representative, Dr. Gao Bo. The purpose of this event was to

encourage cultural interchange among students from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as to establish a healthy and durable

social circle for academic exchange, and to advance each student's theoretical knowledge of tourism management.

Students joined the camp opening ceremony

At the opening ceremony, Vice President Li Mu Chun from SCUT and Executive Associate Dean Li Xi from FITM of City University of Macau

delivered speeches and remarks respectively. The students promptly initiated the formation of a collaborative relationship through an

ice-breaking game and proceeded to form teams for the completion of the study mission.

Group photo of students from SCUT and FITM at the Guangdong Museum

Students from the two universities had the opportunity to gain insight into the distinctive Lingnan culture through its culinary traditions,

architectural heritage, and artistic expression. They visited the Guangdong Museum, Yongqing Square, Lingnan Impression, Wuyang Statue,

the tomb and palace of the South Vietnamese King, and Zhongshan Memorial Hall. This experience not only deepened their understanding of Lingnan culture but also broadened their global perspective. During the study excursion, students from both universities exchanged ideas and learnt from one another, as well as from students from other regions of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, resulting in a stronger friendship in a short time.

Learn about the history of the South Vietnam Tomb with a guide

Group photo of teachers and students of Lingnan Impression Park

At 4:00 p.m. on June 9, teachers and students from both universities took part in the closing ceremony and gave presentation. Each student

and study group delivered a complete and diverse presentation about their study experience, outlining their experiences at the study camp in terms of diverse culture, economy and trade, food culture, art style, and language. The study tour concluded with statements from Dr. Gao Bo, an AUC teaching representative, and Deputy Secretary Chen Mulong, a representative from the South China University of Technology.

Camp closing ceremony

The "Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and the Bay Area Youth Students New Cultural Tourism Summer Study Camp" finally ended successfully. This activity not only improved the exchange and friendship between teachers and students of City University of Macau and South China

University of Technology, but it also promoted the integration and exchange of Macao culture and Lingnan culture of Guangzhou. The

teachers and students of the two universities have formed a deep friendship through this activity, which also helped to spread professional

knowledge in international tourism and management.

Dr. Gao Bo gave a speech at the closing ceremony

Student Reflection

Lu Hao said, "I am very grateful to South China University of Technology for organizing this study activity. We came to study in Guangzhou,

a city with a long history and culture, so that I deeply feel the Lingnan culture of Guangzhou, as well as the charm of the museum, the

Guangzhou Tower and other attractions. In the museum, I saw the long history and civilization of Guangzhou, as well as the typical

representatives of Lingnan culture."

Student Lu Hao talked about his speech during the ceremony

Xu Xiaotian said: "I am very grateful for the study activities held by the two schools in these few days. I also deeply feel the charm and

historical heritage of the city of Guangzhou, as well as the South China University of Technology's warm and thoughtful attitude. Zhongshan Memorial Hall has made me feel the spirit of the great Chinese leader Dr. Sun Yat-sen's career. The study tour gave me a more comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture and history, and I also made many new friends, which is worth remembering and treasuring."

"As a student who was fortunate enough to participate in this study tour, I deeply felt the impact and rewards of this in-depth experiential

approach to education. Many of the new digital technologies have opened my eyes. In this activity, we went to the Guangdong Provincial

Museum and the South Vietnam King Museum, both of which gave me a deep sense of the involvement of VR glasses in tourist attractions.

Through observation and exploration, I have a broader understanding of the subject of tourism management, which will also be of great help to my future academic research." Li Zhuoyao said at the camp closing ceremony.

Student Li Zhuoyao presented her experience throughout this event

Xiong Zhe visited the student and said, "Even if I have heard a lot of news about Guangzhou, it is better to see the city in person, because

"hearing is not believing, seeing is believing". The high-rise buildings here are even taller than expected, but the urbanization has preserved

some of the original appearance of the old city, adding to the heaviness of this historic city."

Wang Xinyue: "In this study activity, we visited museums and famous monuments to learn about culture and history, expand our knowledge

and eyesight, and enhance our social skills and teamwork. In this process, we made full use of our senses to feel the beauty of everything

around us, and through experience and exploration, we grew our knowledge, broadened our horizons, and refined our will."

Pan Yunqi believes that "to read ten thousand volumes of books and travel ten thousand miles." Through this study activity, he gained an

in-depth understanding of the long history and academic achievements of South China University of Technology. In Guangzhou Tower, he

witnessed the prosperity of modern development and new industries in Guangzhou. This activity made him realize the unique contribution

and influence that Guangzhou, as a famous historical and cultural city in China, has brought to the whole country.

Students listened carefully to the final report together

Zhang Jiayi also learned about the Lingnan culture in such detail for the first time through these days of visit. She was most impressed by the

South Vietnam King's Palace and the South Vietnam King's Tomb Museum. She learned that the South Vietnamese kingdom was an important vassal state in Lingnan during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Through listening to the lecturer's explanation,

she found that the pottery and embroidery of South Vietnam were similar to the local products of Macao, but the architectural style of the

palace and the tomb showed obvious regional cultural differences.

"The first day we visited the Digital Village Laboratory of South China University of Technology, I felt the profound cultural heritage and the

power of science and technology of HUST," said by Maggie Song. "And to the development of rural tourism and the combination of big data

and other aspects of knowledge has a deeper understanding. This study activity not only let me enjoy the great rivers and mountains of our

country and the long history and splendid culture. It also allowed me to gain friendship and a wealth of knowledge, becoming an

unforgettable memory of my learning life."