In January 2025, our college (Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, HFPJC) signed an MOU with Nanyang College of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) with multiple exchanges. Upon the visit by the Nanyang delegates to the University of Macau (UM) in January, a total of 13 delegates from UM (12 students and one staff) visited Xian from 17 to 21 April to deepen the relationship on both sides.

Starting the visit with an opening ceremony of the experiential learning programme camp, the UM delegates were warmly welcomed by the staff and students from the Nanyang College. Given a speech by Professor Gu Rong, the vice director of Nanyang College, for “One-Stop” community-building initiatives – showcasing how traditional and modern educational approaches blend seamlessly, our college’s Resident Fellow, Dr Andrew Lao, also shared the UM residential college education model and the ways of managing the residential college community at UM. Both sessions provided the staff and students with an overview of residential college education, fostering an up-to-date understanding and building future collaboration and relationships. The kickstart was then followed by traditional Chinese lacquer fan painting and shadow play workshops. These hands-on activities offered a glimpse into China’s intangible cultural heritage, and both staff and students from both colleges enjoyed and learned about the Chinese cultural immersion at Nanyang College.

The next several days, together with Nanyang staff and students, the delegates learned from the cultural experiences in the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Terracotta Army, City Wall, Emperor Site Park, and local streets. Standing before a number of person-sized warriors and the walls, the group marvelled at the craftsmanship and military might of the Qin Empire. The experience further enriched the team’s understanding of Qin culture through Chinese traditions (such as bronze chariots and acrobat figurines). On the final day, followed by an interesting campus tour, the delegates from both colleges shared their experiences about their student life. A closing ceremony and a debriefing were then held about the camp. Each student from HFPJC and Nanyang reflected on the learned experiences and showed a delightful atmosphere until the end of the camp. Students from both sides also built a close and strong relationship through the exchange.

This camp was more than a visit— it was a bridge for friendship and mutual learning. The bonds forged between UM HFPJC and XJTU Nanyang College will pave the way for future collaborations, such as student exchanges and cultural programs.