USJ International Students Explore Shenzhen and Dongguan
USJ International Students Explore Shenzhen and Dongguan
25
May
25/05/2026
A two-day educational and cultural tour took place on 15 to 16 May 2026, bringing together USJ students and staff for an immersive journey through Shenzhen and Dongguan.
A two-day educational and cultural tour took place on 15 to 16 May, 2026, bringing together USJ students and staff from the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAA) for an immersive journey through Shenzhen and Dongguan. The tour, sponsored by the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), offered participants—all international students and first-time visitors to the two cities—a unique window into China’s rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and modern visual arts.
Day One: Heritage and High-Tech in Shenzhen
Traveling via the Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link, the world’s longest and widest submarine steel-shell immersed tunnel, the group arrived at their first destination, Gankeng Hakka Ancient Town. The participants were given a firsthand glimpse into Hakka culture, exploring traditional architecture, customs, and the vibrant historical legacy of one of China’s most distinctive ethnic groups.
The tour then proceeded to BYD, one of the key highlights of the trip. With the help of an English-speaking guide, students delved into BYD’s automotive design and performance, as well as the company’s extensive product lines beyond electric vehicles. The international students were thrilled by the opportunity to witness China’s rapid technological development up close.
In the evening, the group visited the HAUS Nowhere Giant Exhibition in the central district of Shenzhen. The futuristic art installation offered a striking contrast to the day’s tech-focused activities, showcasing Shenzhen’s vibrant and avant-garde visual arts scene.
Day Two: From Toy Manufacturing to Historical Reflection in Dongguan
The second day took the group to Dongguan, famously known as a city of factories. The first stop was the China Art Toy Center (Toy City), a major production hub for anime-related merchandise in the world. Students experienced the entire process of “trendy toy” creation—from design and prototyping to mass production—gaining insight into the global appeal and manufacturing precision behind these popular products.
The final destination of the journey was the Opium War Museum in Humen. Although all of the students are international students, all of them have studied the Opium Wars in their home countries. Visiting the actual historical sites where part of the conflict unfolded offered a profoundly new perspective. Standing on the very ground where history was made, the students were able to understand China’s viewpoint and gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the nation’s past.
Throughout the tour, students expressed enthusiasm not only for the diversity of experiences but also for the chance to better understand China beyond its global reputation. By visiting the innovative enterprise, artistic exhibition, and historic museum on the same trip, it helps the students to connect China’s past with its present.
