4 Days Hunan Changsha Education Tour

Morning: Visit to Hunan University (湖南大学) and Yuelu Academy (岳麓书院)

• Hunan University (湖南大学): Begin the day with a tour of Hunan University (湖南大学), a prestigious institution known for its rich academic culture and history. Students will immerse themselves in the university’s atmosphere, which fosters intellectual curiosity and innovation.

• Yuelu Academy (岳麓书院): Visit Yuelu Academy (岳麓书院), one of the oldest academies in China, dating back over a thousand years. The academy has been a key center of learning in the Hunan (湖南) region and is an important symbol of Huxiang culture (湖湘文化).

  • Course 1: The Culture of the Academy
    Students will explore the inscribed plaques and couplets that adorn the academy, gaining insight into the academic traditions and the historical significance of Yuelu Academy (岳麓书院). They will follow a thematic activity, learning about the academy’s role in the development of Hunan’s cultural heritage.

  • Course 2: Yuelu Academy Detective
    Students will take part in an interactive map-based activity where they will navigate the academy’s history and complete various tasks to enhance their understanding of the people and events associated with this cultural landmark.

• Course 3: The Love for Autumn Pavilion (爱晚亭)
  Visit the Love for Autumn Pavilion (爱晚亭), built during the Qing Dynasty (清代), located near Yuelu Academy (岳麓书院). The pavilion’s name is derived from the famous poem by Du Mu (杜牧). Students will learn about the history and significance of this pavilion, where Mao Zedong (毛泽东) spent time during his revolutionary activities.

Afternoon: Exploring Central South University (中南大学) - Dream of a Prestigious University

• Course 1: Dreaming at Central South University
  A guided tour of Central South University (中南大学) will allow students to witness the vibrant campus life and experience the spirit of one of China’s top universities. Students will get the chance to observe campus culture and understand the environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and excellence.

• Course 2: Academic Exploration with Top Students
  Students will participate in an academic discussion led by top university students, who will share their experiences, introduce their majors, and provide insights into the learning pathways at Central South University (中南大学). This will be an opportunity for students to get a glimpse of the higher education landscape in China.

• Course 3: Face-to-Face with Academic Excellence
  Students will engage in an interactive session with high-achieving students, learning about different academic programs and the potential career paths they offer. This session will inspire students to think about their own academic goals and future career aspirations.

Evening: Student Empowerment and Career Guidance

• Course 4: Inspirational Talk by Top Students
  A special talk where top students will share their personal stories, providing motivation and advice on academic success and life in university. This talk aims to help students set high aspirations and inspire them to make the most of their academic journey.

• Course 5: Expert Lecture on Career Development
  An expert will hold a career guidance seminar, discussing various career paths, the importance of choosing the right major, and how to plan one’s professional life. This session will offer valuable advice for students to shape their future careers effectively.

Morning: Exploring SANY Heavy Industry (三一重工) or Hunan Broadcasting System (湖南广播电视台)

Option 1: Visit to SANY Heavy Industry (三一重工)

• Course 1: Tour of the SANY Showroom
  Start the morning with a visit to the SANY Heavy Industry (三一重工) showroom, where students will explore cutting-edge machinery and the latest innovations in the construction and heavy equipment industry. SANY (三一) is a global leader in the manufacturing of construction machinery and is renowned for its high-tech products.

• Course 2: Introduction to Zhilian Heavy Trucks
  Students will gain insights into Zhilian Heavy Trucks through a detailed explanation of the trucks' design and operation. This includes understanding the technology behind heavy trucks and their importance in the global supply chain.

• Course 3: Factory Tour
  A guided visit to the Zhilian Heavy Trucks Factory will allow students to observe the manufacturing process, including watching an informative video on the production journey, from steel sheets to completed vehicles. Students will see how the cutting-edge technology is applied in real-world industrial settings.

• Course 4: Inspirational Lecture
  Students will attend a special lecture focused on the role of technology in driving the development of the national defense industry. The lecture will highlight the crucial connection between industrial development and national security, offering valuable insights for students pursuing careers in engineering, technology, and defense industries.

Option 2: Visit to Hunan Broadcasting System (湖南广播电视台)

• Course 1: Broadcasting History Tour
  Students will visit the Hunan Broadcasting System (湖南广播电视台), one of China’s largest and most influential media companies. The day will begin with a historical introduction to Hunan Broadcasting and its impact on China's media landscape.

• Course 2: Interactive Media Experience
  Students will participate in an interactive media experience at the "Colorful Box" (七彩盒子), the largest new media production and broadcast base in China, where they will explore the behind-the-scenes workings of large-scale video production.

• Course 3: TV Quiz Competition
  Students will engage in a real-time quiz competition, participating in a Mango TV-style educational show. This is a fun, hands-on way for students to get an insight into the world of television production and media games.

• Course 4: Virtual Studio Experience
  The students will have the opportunity to visit a virtual studio, where they will try their hands at weather broadcasting and artistic speech lessons. This session gives students a chance to step into the world of broadcast journalism and media production.

Afternoon: Exploring Orange Isle (橘子洲) and Exploring Values

• Course 1: Explore Orange Isle (橘子洲)
  In the afternoon, students will head to Orange Isle (橘子洲), an iconic landmark on the Xiang River (湘江). Students will learn about the historical significance of this area and its connection to Mao Zedong (毛泽东), who wrote his famous poem "Qinyuan Chun·Changsha" (沁园春·长沙) while visiting the island. They will explore the scenic beauty of the isle and stand before the statue of Mao Zedong to better understand his early life and thoughts.

• Course 2: Value Exploration through Poetry
  Students will have the chance to read aloud Mao Zedong’s famous poem "Qinyuan Chun·Changsha" at the statue of Mao Zedong, exploring the values and ideologies of a young Mao. This exercise encourages students to reflect on the connections between personal values and national identity, and how these values can shape one's life and career.

• Course 3: Group Discussion on Values
  Students will participate in a group discussion on their personal values and how they relate to contemporary Chinese society. They will explore the relevance of Mao Zedong's values today and compare them with their own aspirations and career goals.

Evening: Exploring Local Cuisine and Culture at Taiping Street (太平街)

• Course 1: Food Exploration at Taiping Street (太平街)
  As the evening sets in, students will immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Taiping Street (太平街), known for its local delicacies and street food. This is a perfect opportunity for students to try stinky tofu (臭豆腐), sugar oil cakes (糖油粑粑), and Changsha’s big sausages (长沙大香肠), among other Hunan specialties.

• Course 2: A Taste of Local Culture
  As students explore Hunan's famous food scene, they will be guided through the history and cultural significance of these dishes, learning about the spices, flavors, and cooking techniques that define the region's culinary heritage.

Morning: Visit to National University of Defense Technology (国防科技大学)

• Course 1: Campus Tour of National University of Defense Technology (国防科技大学)
  Start the final day with a tour of the National University of Defense Technology (国防科技大学), a leading institution specializing in defense science and technology. Students will experience the unique atmosphere of this military university, walk through the campus, and get a glimpse of the daily life of students in this prestigious institution.

• Course 2: Military History and Technology Exhibition
  Visit the University’s Museum of History and Technology, where students will learn about the development of defense technologies and the university’s significant contributions to national security and defense innovation. This course will emphasize the importance of science and technology in safeguarding the nation and its defense systems.

• Course 3: Military Life and Discipline
  Students will explore the military dormitories of the National University of Defense Technology (国防科技大学), learning about the strict management system that instills discipline and self-regulation in students. The students will also witness a military drill demonstration and understand the role of discipline and teamwork in both military and civilian life.

• Course 4: Military Parade and Ceremony
  The day will culminate in the viewing of a military parade, where students will witness the impressive displays of military precision and coordination. This experience will offer valuable lessons on teamwork, leadership, and the importance of national defense.

Afternoon: Return Journey

• Course 1: Farewell and Reflection on the Journey
  Before departure, students will have a brief reflection session to discuss the knowledge gained throughout the study tour. This will be an opportunity for students to share their thoughts on the courses, what they have learned, and how the experience has influenced their career goals and personal development.

• Course 2: Departure for Home
  The final activity of the day is the departure back home, where students will board the high-speed train (G6089: Changsha South to Guangzhou South, 15:30–18:07). This will be a time for students to reflect on the educational journey and share their experiences with their peers during the return journey.