To foster a deeper bond between young people from Sichuan and Macao and their understanding of Western China, on June 5, 2023, Resident Fellow of MLC Dr. Stanley Chan led a delegation of 8 students to Sichuan to participate in the 13th Ba-Shu and Buddhist Culture Study Camp (巴蜀文化和佛文化研習營). The activity was sponsored by the Ten Thousand People’s Scheme (萬人計劃) by the Ministry of Education, and co-organized by Sichuan University (SCU), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU), and University of Macau (UM). Through seminars, visits, experiential learning and presentations, the activity aimed to strengthen Hong Kong and Macau youngsters’ understanding of the unique and important role of Ba-Shu and Buddhist culture within Chinese history. This activity received strong support from UM Rector Prof. Yonghua SONG, Vice Rector (Global Affairs) Prof. Rui Paulo da Silva MARTINS and Vice Rector (Student Affairs) Prof. Kai Meng MOK, and was facilitated by the Director of Global Affairs Office Prof. Ruibing Wang. During the 10-day camp, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the SCU Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs Office.
Group photo of MLC Resident Fellow Stanley Chan (top row, seventh from left), Sichuan University Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs Office Ms. Chen Qiuyun (second row, first from left), Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ms. Qi Guanye (top row, first from right), and students of the Ba-Shu and Buddhist Culture Study Camp following the cultural seminars on the first day.
On June 6, the delegation was joined by teachers and students from SCU and HKPU and attended two cultural seminars on the history of Buddhism in the Ba-Shu region and on the literature related to the Ba-Shu region, with a particular focus on Su Shi (蘇軾), a famous essayist from the Song dynasty. Through these seminars, students gained a deeper understanding of the long and rich history of Ba-Shu culture, as well as the origin, development and dissemination of Buddhism in this region.
Following the introduction to Ba-Shu and Buddhist culture, teachers and students from the three universities then visited the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Dujiangyan City and its irrigation system, Langzhong Ancient City and Chengdu, to gain first-hand experience of the rich and unique heritage of Ba-Shu culture. MLC student Kelly Wong wrote, “I witnessed traditional Sichuan architecture and craftsmanship in Langzhong. At the same time, I experienced the rich culture of the Ba-Shu region. Their buildings are mainly constructed with wood, showcasing their unique style and design. The intricate structures and exquisite craftsmanship left me in awe.” When visiting these historical sites, students were also actively relating their experience to cultural preservation and inheritance in Macau, and brainstormed their presentation topics at the closing ceremony to demonstrate their learning progress.
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MLC teachers and students at the Leshan Giant Buddha (left) and Dujiangyan irrigation system (right)
On June 13, the final day of the camp, MLC students formed teams with students from SCU and HKPU to give presentations on the preservation and dissemination of Ba-Shu and Buddhist culture, and introduced some of the unique cultural traditions in Macau. MLC Resident Fellow Dr. Stanley Chan also gave a concluding remark to celebrate the success and completion of the camp, and wished the students an everlasting friendship.
MLC student Tin Chong LEI introducing cultural traditions celebrated in Macau at the closing ceremony of the camp
Through a series of diverse learning activities, students have broadened their horizons and expanded their knowledge. By engaging in visits and explorations, they have deepened their understanding of the cultural richness of the Ba-Shu region, experiencing firsthand its unique traditions, customs, and historical background. This cultural immersion has also cultivated their cross-cultural communication skills, fostering friendships and promoting cooperation across different regions. MLC Student Martin Fu wrote, “Through this exchange program I made friends with students from SCU and HKPU. The World is big but our connection is un-ending”.
This activity deepened students’ understanding of the history and culture of the Ba-Shu region, and enabled them to build and strength friendship with students from SCU and HKPU. More importantly, the success of this activity has laid a strong foundation for future cooperation between the three universities.