From 27 September to 1 October, a delegation of 10 members from the Choi Kai Yau College (CKYC) travelled to Beijing to participate in the “2025 Urban and Cultural Development (Beijing Stop)” program. The event brought together students and residential college (RC) representatives from Fengru College (Beihang University), Meng Xiancheng College (East China Normal University), Chongshi College (Xi’an Jiaotong University), and CKYC (University of Macau) at Beihang University’s Shahe Campus. Together, they explored “Urban and Cultural Development”, fostering cross-regional collaboration among young scholars.

Opening Ceremony: A Journey of Shared Growth

On the morning of 28 September, students and faculty from the four colleges gathered in Beijing as the event commenced. At the opening ceremony, Professor Li Junliang, Executive Master of Fengru College at Beihang University, delivered a welcome address, introducing the overview of Beijing, Beihang University, and Fengru College to the attendees from other colleges. He earnestly encouraged the students to nurture aspirations to serve their nation, maintain a spirit of gratitude, and uphold the virtue of humility, extending his warmest welcome and best wishes to all. Following the ceremony, students from the four colleges participated in ice-breaking activities. The lively games proved highly entertaining, with laughter and camaraderie quickly fostering bonds amidst a vibrant atmosphere that permeated the venue.

Later that afternoon, students and faculty from the four colleges visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Archaeological Museum. At the Museum of the Communist Party of China, they revisited a century of tumultuous history, deeply appreciating the profound power inherent in the Party’s founding aspirations and mission. At the Chinese Archaeological Museum, tracing the origins of civilization, they explored historical threads, further enhancing their historical consciousness and cultural confidence.

Visiting both Campuses of Beihang University

On the morning of 29 September, students undertook a series of immersive practical activities at Beihang University’s Shahe Campus. They personally constructed and launched water rockets before visiting laboratories at the Innovation Collaboration Centre and experiencing high-fidelity flight simulators, gaining profound insight into the unique allure of aerospace technology. In the afternoon, the group proceeded to the Xueyuanlu Campus, where they toured both Beihang University’s School History Museum and the Beijing Air and Space Museum. Reflecting upon the university’s illustrious journey spanning over seven decades, students gained profound insight into the arduous pioneering spirit of aerospace endeavors. They were deeply moved by the Beihang ethos encapsulated in the motto “Serving the nation through aerospace, daring to be the first”.

Thematic Field Visits: Urban and Cultural Exploration

On 30 September, students split into three groups (humanities, natures, and central axis) for an immersive thematic exploration. From the autumn winds along the Great Wall to the setting sun over Beihai Park, from the echoes within the Temple of Heaven to the crimson walls of the Forbidden City, they traversed natural landscapes and ancient architecture in a day. Amidst historical sites and natural surroundings, the students contemplated the city’s layout and reflected deeply on the enduring question of “urban and cultural development”.

Presentations and Closing Ceremony

On 1 October, each group delivered a splendid presentation of their findings, bringing the five-day Beijing expedition to a successful conclusion. Students revisited their experiences, recounting tales of the city’s central axis, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes. Mr. Peng Yujin, CKYC Resident Tutor, said that this journey not only enabled students to interpret the core of “urban and cultural development” from multiple dimensions but also forged genuine friendships spanning the four regions. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the students and faculty of Beihang University for their meticulous arrangements and looked forward to the next gathering in Macau to continue fostering exchange and collaboration among young scholars from all four regions.

A Seven-Year Legacy of Cross-Regional Collaboration

The intercollegiate exchange program among four universities has now spanned seven years, evolving from an initial concept into a mature model that has witnessed countless students flourish through interaction and innovate through dialogue. This landmark platform, jointly established by the colleges of the four universities, not only achieves complementary advantages in educational resources across Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Macao, but also fosters a unique cross-regional academic community. It serves as a vital vehicle for promoting the diverse development of higher education in China. Each annual gathering perpetuates the essence of college education, allowing diverse cultures to spark intellectual brilliance and tangibly embody the educational philosophy of “integrating knowledge with action”.

Written by: Peng Yujin