To help newly enrolled international students quickly integrate into their study and life in China and gain a deeper understanding of the charm and warmth of Chinese cities, SIE successfully organized the “Perceiving China · First Encounter with Dalian” City Walk on March 21, 2026. More than 100 international freshmen from around the world, guided by their counselors, stepped out of campus to explore the coastal city, embarking on their “first encounter” with Dalian through an immersive experience.
Encountering Xinghai: Experiencing the City’s Grandeur at the Centennial Sculpture
The first stop of the activity was Xinghai Square, the largest urban square in Asia. Despite the slight chill of the early spring sea breeze, students remained enthusiastic. In front of the Centennial Sculpture, they paused to listen to the guide’s introduction and learned about Dalian’s transformation from a small fishing village into a modern metropolis over the past century. Seagulls soared across the blue sky and sea, and many students took photos with their peers, capturing their first memorable moments with the city.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Touching the City’s Memory through Everyday Life
Continuing along Binhai Road, the group arrived at the second stop—Fisherman’s Wharf. The European-style architecture, combined with docked fishing boats, created a unique and picturesque scene. The aroma of seafood from nearby stalls added to the lively atmosphere. Strolling along the pier, international students enjoyed the scenic harmony of mountains and sea while experiencing the distinctive local lifestyle of this port city.
Venice Water Town: Building Friendship along Romantic Waterfronts
In the afternoon, the group visited the Oriental Venice Water Town in the Donggang Business District. With winding canals, elegant European-style buildings, and the blue coastline complementing each other, the area presented a romantic landscape. Walking along the waterfront under the warm spring sunshine, students shared their first impressions of China and strengthened mutual understanding and friendship in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Traversing the City: Understanding Development through Moving Scenery
On the return journey, the group passed through Zhongshan Square, Youhao Square, People’s Square, and the cross-sea bridge. Along the way, the guide provided vivid explanations. Through the bus windows, students took in Dalian’s iconic landmarks, experiencing the city’s development and vitality through its changing scenery. From century-old architecture to modern bridges, and from historic districts to coastal avenues, Dalian’s openness and inclusiveness were vividly displayed.
This activity serves as an important component of the School’s orientation program for new international students. Through the City Walk, students perceived China and understood Dalian through firsthand experience, while building friendships and integrating into campus life through interaction. In recent years, the School of International Education has continuously advanced the “Perceiving China” national conditions education initiative, integrating cultural experiences, urban exploration, and practical learning into the entire process of international student cultivation. These efforts not only enable students to experience China’s development and cultural traits in an immersive way, but also provide a platform for intercultural exchange, guiding them to become ambassadors who understand and appreciate China with a global vision.
Looking ahead, the School will continue to innovate educational approaches, offering richer practical experiences and more attentive support services to help international students embark on a rewarding study journey at Dalian University of Technology.
