On September 28, 38 international students from 23 countries had a study tour of Shenzhen's ancient villages, exploring the city's lesser-known historical aspects through its traditional architecture.
Group photo in front of the Wen Clan Ancestral Hall, Fenghuang Ancient Village, Shenzhen (Photo: Chen Siyuan)
Organized by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, the tour also included participants from South China University of Technology, Guangzhou University, Shenzhen University, and Shenzhen Polytechnic University.
The students began their journey at Dapeng Fortress, which was built during the Ming Dynasty as a defense against pirates and invaders. They then visited the traditional residences in Fenghuang Ancient Village, gaining a glimpse into both the military history and everyday life of the city's past.
Students during the visit to Dapeng Fortress, Shenzhen (Photo: Chen Siyuan)
A student walking along the alley in Dapeng Fortress, Shenzhen (Photo: Chen Siyuan)
Students during the visit to Fenghuang Ancient Village, Shenzhen (Photo: Chen Siyuan)
Students taking selfies at Fenghuang Ancient Village, Shenzhen (Photo: Chen Siyuan)
While Shenzhen is often regarded as a city of the future for its high-tech companies and futuristic skyscrapers, the tour has provided students with a unique opportunity to experience its lesser-known historical aspect.
Before joining the tour, Anarbaeva Ainazik, a student from Kyrgyzstan, had long considered Shenzhen a young city with a relatively short history and was surprised to discover that Shenzhen houses centuries-old villages.
"Now I've seen these ancient villages of Shenzhen, the contrast between them and the modern buildings made it more mind-blowing to see how Shenzhen had come into the metropolis we see nowadays," said the girl.
Similarly, Hasti Rahimi from Iran noted the blend of past and present as she travelled across the city on a bus. With ancient buildings and the sea visible on one side and towering buildings on the other, she observed, "Shenzhen has two sides—one historical and the other modern."
Themed "Discovering the Ancient Architecture of Lingnan," the tour is part of the "Experiencing China" project aimed at bringing first-hand experience of Chinese culture through study tours.
At Fenghuang Ancient Village, Jamie Mount from Australia found inspiration for his understanding of Chinese culture, particularly in the open courtyard at the center of the houses. He interprets this architectural feature as a reflection of the Chinese people's openness and strong connection to the environment and nature.
The courtyard at the center of Wen Clan Ancestral Hall, Fenghuang Ancient Village, Shenzhen (Photo: Chen Siyuan)
Another participant, Panna Jorge Rambasikia from Papua New Guinea, is a history enthusiast and had already known a great deal about the two historical sites through classes and readings before the tour. However, he still valued the opportunity to visit the actual locations.
"Only by traveling do you have the opportunity to experience more culture outside of the classroom," he remarked, adding that the actual historical places are where "history is kept alive."
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | Chen Siyuan
Editor | Nan, James
