Programme: Heilongjiang Winter Experience Camp
Partner Institution: Heilongjiang University
Period: December 24 - 30, 2023
The Heilongjiang Winter Experience Camp was extraordinary. It was absolutely one of the best times in my university life. We had a precious opportunity to explore the culture of Harbin and Northern China, from the local cuisine to winter sports, from ancient history to current development.
First, this was my first time being in a -18°C place. Everywhere was enveloped by a blanket of white. As a person from southern China, it really fascinated me. The enchantment in Harbin was not limited to the magical, but also the winter sports. During this camp, I participated in winter sports, such as ice skating and snowboarding. The coaches from Heilongjiang University were world champions. I could not believe I had met them! Harbin Ice and Snow World was so charming and romantic that I felt like I was walking into Elsa's Ice Palace. Everything was made of ice. At night, when the lights shined through the ice, it glowed as glamorous as the aurora.
Apart from the snow and ice, I understood this city more from its background and culture. Since the 19th century, Harbin has become a multicultural city where Chinese, Russian, and European cultures have had a huge impact on its development. I believe that understanding more history of China is one of the most significant ways to cultivate a sense of belonging towards the country and a sense of national identity. During the camp, we attended seminars on topics such as the industrial development of China and Northern China, Chinese calligraphy, and pickled cabbage.
Not just learning from the facts, we gained a deeper understanding of the culture through having hearty meals, getting along with the teachers and students from Heilongjiang University, tasting the ice cream, tanghulu, frozen pears, and persimmons, etc. Though it was cold, we were fully immersed in the warmth and enthusiasm of Northeast Chinese.
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