From March 27 to 29, 2026, with the strong support of the Huangshan Municipal Government, the Tongji University International Students Office organized the “Perceiving China — Journey to Huangshan” cultural exchange program. Forty-four students from 24 countries—including Germany, Italy, Hungary, Nepal, Indonesia, Spain, and France—embarked on a three-day immersive journey through the heart of Huizhou culture, visiting iconic landmarks such as Hongcun Village and the Mukeng Bamboo Sea.
A Taste of Huizhou: Crafting Stinky Mandarin Fish
On the afternoon of the 27th, students visited Huangshan University to experience the “Flavor of Huizhou” by learning to cook the famous local dish, “Stinky Mandarin Fish” (Chou Gui Yu). Under expert guidance, students handled every step from seasoning to frying. Despite its pungent aroma, the students were amazed by the unique savory taste, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the depth of Chinese culinary traditions.
Ancient Alleys and Fish Lanterns: The Charm of Hongcun
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hongcun Village is often called a “village in a Chinese painting.” Students wandered through white-walled, grey-tiled Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. In the evening, they participated in a traditional Fish Lantern parade, a local intangible cultural heritage. Carrying glowing lanterns through stone-paved alleys, the students interacted with tourists and learned the cultural symbolism of the fish lantern as a harbinger of good fortune.
Mastering Ancient Crafts: Bamboo Weaving and Huizhou Ink
The journey continued to the Mukeng Bamboo Sea (the filming location of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), where students learned the intricate art of bamboo weaving. On the final morning, the group visited the century-old Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory. There, they practiced Ink Gilding, the delicate process of applying gold leaf to traditional Huizhou ink sticks.
“Carrying a fish lantern in Hongcun and weaving bamboo with my own hands gave me a massive sense of achievement,” said Ye Yongli, a student from Malaysia. “Cooking the stinky mandarin fish was my favorite part—it was a completely new and unforgettable experience.”
Building Bridges of Cultural Exchange
This “Perceiving China” series event serves as a vital bridge for international students to understand China’s traditional wisdom and modern vitality. During the trip, representatives from Tongji University also met with officials from the Huangshan Municipal Education Bureau and Bureau of Culture and Tourism to discuss future collaborations in international student teaching practices and global media communication.
The event received extensive coverage from major media outlets, including People’s Daily Online, Anhui News, and the Huangshan Daily, further cementing the program’s reputation as a premier brand for international student engagement.
