The International Development Office (IDO) organised a cultural day trip to Zhongshan City on 1 December for international students and foreign interns. The day began with a visit to the Sun Yat-sen Residence Memorial Museum, followed by lunch at a restaurant, which was located inside a Fujian style Tulou building. After lunch, interns and students visited Tianxin Forest Park.

Students and interns arrived at the former residence of Dr Sun Yat-sen early in the morning. They spent two hours exploring the exhibition site and museum. It was an educational experience that allowed the group to become more familiar with a significant historical figure. Media Arts and Design (MAD) international student Celeste Nevid said she particularly liked the Dragon Garden, an experiment in hydroponics where plants are grown without soil.

Students and interns posing for a funny picture

Exploring the open field

Looking for fish

Soon after visiting the museum, the group went to lunch in a Fujian style Tulou building. A Tulou is a Chinese rural community dwelling, most commonly circular or rectangular in shape. English Language Centre (ELC) foreign intern and President of the International Student Club at UIC Jamie Siemsen visited Fujian province last spring to see Tulou buildings with the Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLC). She commented, “It was fun to see this style of building in Zhongshan. I really enjoyed eating in the community atmosphere with my friends.”

The circular style of the restaurant

Group picture at the restaurant

Although Tulou buildings are unique to the Hakka people in southeastern Fujian province, the food served at this restaurant was traditional Cantonese style. Students and interns were delighted by the variety of dishes. ELC foreign intern Emily Duske was delighted with the food. She said the most surprising part of the trip was the mountain.

After lunch, the group visited Tianxin Forest Park. Participants were expecting an easy afternoon stroll, but found a steep mountain climb instead. Several interns and students found the challenge rewarding and exciting despite the surprise.

A beautiful view

ELC Foreign Intern Patricia Lillienthal was filled with energy during the hike. She led the group for most of the climb up the mountain using the steep stair-filled trail. Other students and interns found the park to be a refreshing break from crowded city life. Division of Science and Technology (DST) Foreign Intern Megan Marsolek found the rolling mountain views and green landscapes energizing, and she commented on how happy she was to be given the chance to explore such a beautiful area.

An energetic Patricia climbs a tree. Mohamad is impressed

After the climb

This trip provided foreign students and interns an opportunity to dive into Chinese culture and history that is only a short distance from UIC campus. When reflecting on this experience, exchange student Siwon Lee said “The day trip to Zhongshan was such a great trip that enabled me to experience traditional style of architecture and know about [Dr. Sun Yat-Sen].” She joked that while this trip was informative and valuable, it gave her a chance to look back on her lack of exercise.

Jamie is too cool

Christy shares a laugh

Through IDO’s sponsored trip, the international students and foreign interns gained new memories and experiences together.

Photographs submitted by IDO and participating students and interns
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Marissa Furney, Étienne Fermie
(from IDO)