On 29 July, a group of 155 people from the Dragon Wish 2018 Cross-Strait Youth Exchange Programme went to UIC for five days to learn about the development of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area.
"Dragon Wishes - Cross-Strait Youth Exchange Activities" was co-hosted by 'The New Youth Forum', 'Dragon Wishing Cross-Strait Exchange Centre' as well as 'Youth New World'. It aims to strengthen mutual understanding between the two sides of the strait and build mutual trust and tolerance. This year marks the 20th anniversary. Participating students came from the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Lanzhou University and Nanchang University. In addition, more than 40 Taiwanese students from Tunghai University, Shih Hsin University, Chang Jung Christian University and National Kaohsiung Normal University participated in the programme. Furthermore, this year was the first time for eight UIC students to participate. Students were divided into different groups and visited Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Chengdu within 12 days to participate in different themes and forums.
Dragon Wish 2018 Cross-Strait Youth Exchange Programme
On 30 July, UIC International Journalism (IJ) Associate Professor, Dr Edgar Yuen, gave a special lecture on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area. Afterwards, the students visited the Museum of the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen, as well as the Hengqin New District Planning and Construction Exhibition Hall. Also they got a chance to visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao followed by a trip to the Hengqin Mangzhou Wetland Park. To end the visit, they were taken to see Zhuhai’s new landmark, the Grand Theatre, where they were amazed at the unique night scenery of Zhuhai.
Dr Edgar Yuen giving a lecture on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Students visiting the Museum of the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen
Students visiting Hengqin
On the morning of 31 July, the students went to Chengdu, followed by a visit to Wenchuan for four days to gain a better understanding of the reconstruction that took place after the earthquake, which struck in 2008.
Nanjing Tech University student, Yan Dongliang, explained that through this event, he now has a preliminary understanding of the overall planning and development direction of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. He also mentioned that UIC's use of English as the medium of instruction as well as the modern designed campus left a deep impression on him.
Students visiting Hengqin New District Planning and Construction Exhibition Hall
Students visiting the Hengqin Mangzhou Wetland Park
Students visiting Zhuhai Grand Theatre
Translation: Samuel Burgess (MPRO)
Photographers:Liang Tianshi (Year 2, AE) Qu Binghui (MPRO)
Video: Qu Binghui, Wen Minghui (MPRO)
(with thanks to the ELC)
