Recently, the College of International Education of ECUST organized 70 international students for a four-day study tour to Sanya, Hainan. Traveling nearly 2,000 kilometers, the group visited China’s only tropical coastal city, as part of the Second Class program. Taking advantage of Hainan’s unique ecological environment as China’s largest tropical island, the study tour moved learning beyond the classroom into real-world settings, offering students an immersive experience in understanding China’s ecological wisdom and sustainable development approaches.
The tour first focused on Sanya’s distinctive natural ecosystems. At the Coconut Dream Corridor, students observed the coastline, examining how windbreak forests protect the beach and contribute to regulating the urban climate. The group then visited Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park, where guides explained the layered structure of tropical rainforests and conservation measures taken to protect rare plant species.
The itinerary also emphasized the exploration of local culture. At the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, students learned how the Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature is reflected in landscape planning. A visit to the Li Cultural Tourism Zone allowed students to observe the wisdom of the Li people in adapting to tropical mountain environment—including their unique boat-shaped houses and textile techniques. At Luhuitou Park, students viewed the city’s overall layout and saw how Sanya integrates mountains, sea, and urban development.
On November 20, students attended a seminar with the Sanya Investment Promotion Bureau. Both sides exchanged views on education cooperation and opportunities under the Hainan Free Trade Port policy. Li Xiaopeng, Dean of the College of International Education of ECUST, noted that this combination of field visits and dialogues broadens international students’ perspectives and serves as a valuable extension of classroom learning.
As an important part of the Second Class program for international students at ECUST, this study tour extended learning beyond campus into society. Through such experiences, it deepened the students’ understanding of China’s ecological wisdom and development philosophy, providing an effective platform for cultivating globally minded talents.
