Second International Study Tour of First World Chinese Essay Competition Visits Zhengzhou

Drizzle fell softly across central China in September, deepening the autumnal mood. Participants in the second international study tour of the First World Chinese Essay Competition—‘Walking China, Inheriting Cultural Heritage’—visited Zhengzhou, Henan Province. At Henan Museum, shrouded in mist and rain, they engaged with millennia-old artefacts; at BYD’s Di Space, they explored cutting-edge new-energy technologies in bright, modern galleries; and at Mixue Ice Cream’s headquarters, bathed in warm light, they decoded the appeal of a leading Chinese homegrown brand. A series of activities blending historical inquiry with contemporary experience enabled participants to appreciate both the profound heritage and innovative vitality of Central Plains culture.

The first stop in Zhengzhou was Henan Museum. The fine rain lent a poetic haze to this building bearing the weight of civilisation. As guides led participants through the exhibition halls, the gentle tapping of rain against the glass façade formed a subtle soundtrack to stories of antiquity. From the Jiahu bone flute—dating back over 8,000 years and among the world’s earliest playable musical instruments—to the intricate Lotus-and-Crane Square Zun, symbolising Spring and Autumn ritual systems; from the imposing owl-shaped zun unearthed from the tomb of Fu Hao of the Shang Dynasty, to the Northern Song Ru kiln sky-blue glazed carved goose-necked vase—its hue evoking ‘the colour of the sky after rain’—each artefact held participants spellbound.

Leaving Henan Museum, participants travelled to BYD’s Di Space. On the ground floor, they blew into a large ‘wind turbine’ installation labelled ‘Clean Energy Conversion’, gaining an intuitive grasp of energy transformation. On the second floor, a transparent production-line model illustrated the full automotive manufacturing process, while a ‘Sound Lab’ fused modern melodies with traditional instruments. On the third floor, a striking ‘Patent Waterfall’ display captivated participants, who used interactive stations to learn about core technologies such as blade batteries. Against the backdrop of Zhengzhou’s rain-draped cityscape, participants attended a hands-on workshop: working in teams, they assembled miniature cars, troubleshooting circuits and adjusting components. When their self-built vehicles whirred into motion, a palpable sense of achievement filled the room—igniting, in many, a spark for scientific exploration.

The final stop was Mixue Ice Cream’s headquarters. Its building glowed warmly in the rain. Inside, the aroma of freshly brewed tea greeted participants on the ground-floor beverage counter, where staff demonstrated drink preparation with practiced ease. Raindrops slid slowly down the glass partition beside the counter, mirroring the gentle swirl of tea in cups. Upstairs, the cultural-creative products space brimmed with ‘Snow King’ plush toys, tea-flavoured snacks, and themed merchandise. Participants browsed, occasionally pausing to wipe rain-dampened sleeves—yet never letting go of the souvenirs in their hands. HaoHao from Australia held up a Snow King keychain and grinned: “I’ve finally realised my dream—checking in at Mixue Ice Cream’s headquarters.” This sweet finale brought the study tour to a heartwarming close.

From tracing civilisational roots at Henan Museum, to hands-on science practice at BYD’s Di Space, to immersive engagement with national-chic branding at Mixue Ice Cream, this rain-soaked Zhengzhou journey enabled participants to touch both the historical texture and the dynamic pulse of modern innovation and cultural confidence in the Central Plains. Through on-site visits, experiential learning, and immersive participation, the ‘Walking China, Inheriting Cultural Heritage’ study tour not only advances Chinese-language education but also helps participants understand the millennia-deep cultural lineage—and its vibrant contemporary expression—carried by this land. In doing so, it fosters deeper intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

(Correspondent: Li Na)

Li Kaizhen