From October 18 to 21, 2019, 9 BSU Confucius Institute scholars from Belarus, South Korea and Egypt and 1 teacher as tour guide traveled to appreciate cultural charm for 4 days in Xi’an and Yan’an, Shaanxi, where in northwest China is believed to be one of the key birthplaces of Chinese civilization and Huaxia culture, the capital of 14 dynasties (Western Zhou Dynasty, Qin Dynasty, Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, etc.) and full of cultural and historical wonders. In 4-day itinerary, they visited Ancient City Wall built in Ming Dynasty, Dayan Pagoda, Huis' Street, Huangdi Mausoleum, Hukou Waterfalls of Yellow River, Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, Yangjialing Revolutionary Site, Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site and Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.
Before travel, DUT Confucius Institute Management Office gave all students a lesson in safety and signed a Safety Agreement, for their safety concern and in order to oil the wheels of this trip. On the first day of arrival in Shaanxi, students visited great Ming Dynasty City Wall to appreciate traditional Chinese architectural style and then went to Tang Dynasty Grand Ci’en Temple Relics Site Park, where they walked in Ci'en Temple and Dayan Pagoda, listened to the story about Xuanzang traveling to India, and learned about Chinese Buddhist culture. They capped off the first day by tasting Chinese hamburger, cold noodle and other northern Shaanxi snacks in Huis' Street. On the second day, tour group visited Huangdi Mausoleum to worship cultural ancestor and pilgrimage to cultural root of Chinese nation in the morning. In the afternoon, they arrived at Hukou Waterfalls of Yellow River, known as “All Yellow Rivers Run into Hukou”. International students said excitedly, “It’s amazing. We had never seen such beautiful waterfall before.”
Tour of Yan’an cannot do without the visit to red scenic spots. On the third day, tour group visited Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall and China’s red revolution sites- Zaoyuan and Yangjialing. International students listened to the stories about the Long March of the Red Army and the hardships throughout the way. Chairman Mao’s correct leadership during The Long March and the red army soldiers’ undaunted spirit filled international students with admiration. Cave Dwelling as featured structure in northern Shaanxi is what all students are most intrigued by. Yu Lin, student from Belarus, said, “It’s my first time to see such dwelling place. I am shocked great man can steer Chinese people to remarkable victory under so harsh condition.
On the fourth day, international students and teacher came to Terracotta Warriors & Horses of Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum, known as The Eighth Wonder of the World. They carefully observed Terracotta Warriors Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3 and Cultural Relics Display Hall. Terracotta Warriors & Horses lifelike but dissimilar really made them feel what a splendid and deep past of China. Xu Xizhou, Korean student, said, “I read about the history of Terracotta Warriors only in textbook. Today, I am lucky to see it on the scene in China. It’s truly impressive.”
This cultural appreciation is of extraordinary significance to BSU Confucius Institute scholars and by way of the combination of Chinese ancient history and red revolution history. International students are allowed to observe Chinese traditional culture at very close range and experience China’s continuous cultural inheritance from 5,000 years ago, therefore deepening their understanding of Chinese national spirit, customs, culture, and geographical environment, broadening their horizons, enriching their learning and cultural life, and improving language proficiency. Confucius Institute Management Office will keep up the good work to offer students more cultural activities that must be varied and meaty.
