Winter interim trip gives students deeper understanding of China’s ascent as global power
From the gnarled limestone hills of Guilin to the bustling seafood markets and stilt houses on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, 24 students immersed themselves in South China to gain a more thorough understanding of the nation’s history and its rising influence in world affairs.
The students experienced Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong, which together celebrate distinctive regional cultural traditions, strong local economies, stunning natural wonders, and metropolitanism.
Led by Li Yang , assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures, and Quin Lu , associate professor of mathematics, the students experienced cultural sites in combination with readings, class discussions, and interactions with local residents and activities.
Over the course of the trip, which ran Jan. 4-22, students gained a deeper understanding of China’s ascent as a global power and its reaction to Western influences, ethnic minorities, and regionalism.
“Biking through the countryside of Guilin with the beautiful limestone hills in sight was one of my favorite activities,” says Erin Rome ’19, a chemical engineering major. “My favorite picture I took was when we went into the reed flute cave,” says Hannah Kim ’20, an international affairs major. “I loved seeing the reflection in the water and thought it was a great place to end our time in Guilin.” “One of my favorite experiences was wandering around West Street in Yangshuo,” says Jessica Ackendorf ’19, a biochemistry major. “This encapsulated not only the nightlife present in such a small city but also people’s emphasis on social relationships and spending time together after a hectic day. Comparing to my own town, which has a population slightly smaller than that of Yangshuo, I was shocked to see such a vibrant social life in this rural area.” “Mango in Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world,” says Emily Geller ’19, a mathematics and economics double major. “While wandering the streets here, one can appreciate that the international city of Hong Kong is an epicenter of cultural exchange in Asia.” “Many of the places we went were very crowded and swarming with people, such as the popular temples, Buddhas, and markets,” says Olivia Thomajan ’19, an international affairs and economics double major. “I thought it was interesting to try to capture some of the landmarks without people in the frame, in order to imagine them years ago before they were tourist attractions. I took a series of pictures like these, but this one is my favorite from Mount Emei.” “Almost every day Brook, Erin, and I would go on a run in the city that we were in,” says Samira Sujak ’19, a psychology major. “It was very difficult to run in most of the cities due to the dense population. However, Yulong was the perfect place to run, and the limestone hills were breathtaking.” “Rice was served with almost every meal we had, including breakfast,” says Quinn Miers ’19, a neuroscience major. “It was interesting to see how intricate the water systems were to insure that all the rice could grow properly.” “I loved getting to see and feed the pandas,” says Brook Blackshaw ’19, a neuroscience major. “They’ve been one of my favorite animals since I was a kid, and this panda, Fu Bao, was such an entertainer.” “This picture stands out to me not just for its aesthetic appeal and where it was taken but also the story it tells,” says Daniel Gardner ’19, a mechanical engineering major. “At first glance, the natural beauty seen right from our hotel room reminds me of a view that will stand out in my mind for years to come. At closer inspection, the housing that lines the water, which is rather run down in a place that is so magnificent, shows at once the juxtaposition of wealthy tourists with local rural inhabitants and also shows evidence that we learned of the governmental measures in place to protect local housing and prevent wealthy tourists from creating vacation homes.” “Ending our course in Hong Kong felt appropriate because it really might be the pinnacle of Chinese wealth and development and globalization,” says Connor Burwell ’19, a government & law and philosophy double major. “I think this photo shows how hectic, business-oriented, and international Hong Kong felt to me.”
