Zhang Haang Yui, Faculty of Education

Programme: The 12th Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau Youth Leadership Summit

Partner Institution: Wuhan University

Period: May 12 - 18, 2024

Time flies, the six-day 12th Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Youth Leaders Summit ended in the blink of an eye. I want to express my greatest gratitude to the organizer China Vision, for providing such a precious opportunity for me to participate in this summit on behalf of the University of Hong Kong and communicate with students from Macau and Mainland China. I am also very grateful to the Wuhan University Student Union for arranging a rich and diverse itinerary for us during the summit, allowing us to explore the vast ocean of knowledge through on-site visits.

On the first day, at the opening ceremony of the summit, I met the student representatives from other universities. From being confused at the beginning to talking loudly during lunch, we quickly got to know each other and became good friends. In the afternoon, we visited the campus of Wuhan University under the guidance of Wuhan student representatives. While listening to the explanation of the school history museum, I realized the century-old glory and profound historical heritage of Wuhan University.

On the second day, we first visited the Wanning Art Museum, learned about the results of Wuhan University’s participation in polar scientific expeditions, and learned basic knowledge about polar animals. Then, we were very fortunate to listen to the sharing from members of the scientific expedition team. Looking at the pictures of the scientific expedition members insisting on measuring data in the severe cold weather of Antarctica, and listening to their thrilling experience, I deeply understood that the Antarctic scientific expedition is not easy, and I admired the perseverance of the team members.

We started our third day of the trip. In the simulation of the "One Planet" Polar Summit, we represented different countries. Although this was just a simulation process, it represented the sincere support and hope of all students to work together to create a greener future. After the intense discussion, we visited Hubu Alley, Tanhualin and took photos at the Red Wall in the afternoon, allowing us to experience the bustling atmosphere and culture of Wuhan. Here, I felt the prosperity that is different from Hong Kong. Although there were not many skyscrapers and high-rise buildings like Hong Kong, there were many ancient buildings with historical and cultural heritage.

On the fourth day, we visited the Liangzi Lake Ecological Station. Under the leadership of teachers from Wuhan University, we were fortunate to visit plant samples under key protection, and learned about ecological balance.

On the fifth day of the trip, we held a farewell ceremony. It is a great honor for me to deliver the closing speech at the closing ceremony on behalf of the University of Hong Kong. As the camera shutter clicked, I couldn't help but marvel at how quickly time passed. The friends around me seem to have just met, but we are already very familiar with each other.

On the sixth day, which was the last day of the trip, we visited the ancient city, Zhang Juzheng’s former residence and museum in Jingzhou. The most amazing thing among them is the city wall of Jingzhou Ancient City. Stroking the hard city wall, it felt like I returned to the war-torn era, with the heroic scenes of soldiers clinging to the city wall to protect their homes and country.

During this wonderful journey, we developed deep friendships with student representatives from the Mainland and Macau and became good friends. We talked about the ideals of life, shared the experience of studying in different regions, and experienced this colorful journey together. This exactly echoes the theme of this summit, "Move forward side by side to pursue dreams, and work together to chart the future".