During the past winter break, a group of graduate students from Tsinghua University delved into the cultural, historical, and technological advancements of China's Greater Bay Area (GBA) by embarking on a journey through Guangdong Province. This region, rich in cultural diversity and as the ancestral homeland of ethnic Chinese worldwide, serves as a meeting point between the East and the West. It provides students with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the Chinese culture, offering a fresh perspective on the global Chinese diaspora, especially in the United States and Southeast Asia. Additionally, it allows them to grasp a new perspective on China's technological development in Zhongshan and Zhuhai.

Probing into the stories of Chinese diaspora and the global cultural exchange

Nestled in the north-eastern part of Guangdong, Jiangmen is a culturally rich and historically significant city renowned for its iconic watchtower and arcade architecture primarily in the Kaiping district. The unique multi-story watchtowers in Zili Village, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand as testament to the fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles that emerged in the late Qing Dynasty. Kaiping's landscape is adorned with these majestic structures, each telling a story of the region's cultural diversity and resilience. Immersing themselves in those architectural marvels, the visiting students learned about the region's cultural legacy and the harmonious coexistence of different cultural influences throughout its rich history.

The visit to the Jiangmen Wuyi Museum of Overseas Chinese offered insights into the hardships of Chinese from Wuyi region had encountered while seeking a life overseas, the unique cultural and economic contributions they made to the industrialization of Asia and North America, as well as their deep attachment and commitment to their hometown and homeland. These visits showed the students rich cultural relics and China's long engagement with the world.

Exploring the Integrated development of Guangdong-Macao-Hongkong

The team went to Zhongshan and Zhuhai City to gain further insights into the integration of GBA. In Cuiheng New District, Zhongshan, the team learned about the infrastructure blueprint linking Guangdong and Macao, as well as the overall development plan for this vital industrial cooperation hub connecting the west bank of the Pearl River and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link.

The visit to Zhuhai Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone as well as Zhuhai Tsinghua Science Park offered a chance for the students to grasp Guangdong's strategy to connect top-tiered human and financial assets to foster innovation and the development of high and new technology such as biotechnology, new materials, as well as artificial intelligence and chip design. Established in 2002, the Zhuhai Tsinghua Science Park has emerged as a conduit for the deep integration across academia, industry, and research. By capitalizing on Tsinghua's strengths in research, talent cultivation, and international cooperation, the park has successfully incubated 68 high-tech enterprises and propelled 11 companies to become listed on the stock exchanges.

Investigating innovative routes to achieve rural revitalization

Throughout the trip, the team has visited over 6 towns and 10 villages in the Pearl River West Area to study their unique pathways to achieve rural revitalization. In Gulao Water Town, the team learned about how ecological tourism benefits local livelihood. In Zuobu Village, the team witnessed how local CPC members help with building the History Exhibition Hall of the village and injecting vitality through cultural development. The team also spent some moments in a public library built by a returned overseas Chinese from Chile. The library has a collection of more than 5,000 books, a dozen reading seats, full WIFI coverage, and a cafeteria. It has been a unique cultural space for village youth to develop their interest towards literature, arts, and music.

In Chakeng Village, the development of tangerine peel industry has successfully attracted new business and tourists. Xinhui's tangerine peel products not only contribute to the town's culinary heritage but have also gained recognition beyond the borders, becoming cherished souvenirs for visitors. The tangerine peel industry not only preserves a traditional craft but also serves as a testament to Xinhui's commitment to promoting its agricultural treasures and cultural identity.

The team also visited Liang Qichao's former residence in the village and reflected upon Liang's idea and connection with Tsinghua. Qiao Yuangfeng, a Canadian student from the School of Social Sciences, commented that "Liang Qichao's ideas, especially his advocacy for reform and innovation, emphasis on education, and pursuit of democracy and the rule of law, not only had a significant impact on history but also hold great significance and value for the new generation in China today, particularly for students at Tsinghua University who are in this temple of knowledge."

Navigating the development of ecological civilization

The team's interest in the ecological perspective of Guangdong's development led them to visit representative sites such as The Bird Paradise in Xinhui District, Jiangmen City. They examined how the city manages to develop its urban infrastructure while securing local biodiversity and the ecosystem. With a history tracing back to the Ming Dynasty, The Bird Paradise has been known for its beautiful natural environment and rich bird life. The sanctuary is thoughtfully designed to minimize human impact, emphasizing responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The ecological tourism experience allows guests to observe these feathered creatures in their natural habitats, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The ecological tourism experience at the Bird Paradise serves as a testament to Kaiping's commitment to preserving its natural treasures while offering an educational and rejuvenating experience for all who venture into this ecological gem. Nguyen Tran Dieu Thao, a Vietnamese student from the School of Communication noted, "visiting this enchanting oasis left me with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature and a desire to protect and cherish it for generations to come."

Unfolding the New Civilized Residential Area in Xinhui

Exploring the emerging civilized district of Jiangmen city, alongside the Xinhui industrial park and community parks, left the team profoundly impressed by the remarkable economic growth in this region. What stands out is the seamless preservation of traditional daily life amid the rapid development. If one were to encapsulate Xinhui's newly civilized residential area in a phrase, it would be "the land of music". From the youth to the elderly, regardless of their gender, everyone here seems to possess the skills for a spirited singing competition. The resonant melodies, coupled with heartfelt enthusiasm and emotion, linger in the memory of anyone fortunate enough to visit this enchanting locale.