From July 9 to 12, 19 international students from 16 countries, including Brazil, the US, Italy, Belgium, and Malaysia, embarked on an inspiring journey to Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County in Yunnan Province. Organized by the College of International Education (CIE) at ECUST, this immersive program took students beyond the campus and into the heart of rural China, offering a front-row seat to authentic village life, vibrant culture, and rural revitalization.

The adventure kicked off at Rende 1st Primary School, where international students paired up with local children for a fun, bilingual cultural exchange. From sharing fascinating stories about their home countries to playing lively guessing games and dancing the traditional bamboo pole dance, the students quickly formed deep bonds. This heartwarming interaction not only opened a window to the world for the rural kids but also allowed international students to experience the warmth and joy of village school life.

Leaving the classroom, the team explored the rich heritage and modern development of Xundian. At the Yitai Cattle Culture Museum, they discovered the impressive modernization of rural cattle farming. They also revisited history at the Kedu Memorial Hall of the Long March of the Red Army and hiked to the breathtaking alpine meadows of Sishao Yesong Mountain at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The cultural immersion continued with hands-on experiences in traditional tea roasting and Miao tie-dye, culminating in a spectacular evening show of molten iron fireworks. To wrap up the trip, students explored the famous Dounan Flower Market, Dianchi Lake, and Kunming Old Street, soaking in the unique charm of the "Spring City."

Dean Li Xiaopeng of CIE highlighted that this was the first time ECUST organized international students to participate in targeted rural assistance. As the 15th Five-Year Plan begins, the College aims to help global students truly understand China's rural revitalization. Moving forward, this practice will become a regular program, fostering annual youth exchanges and leveraging ECUST’s global alumni network to help Xundian’s local products reach international markets.