International Youth from 13 Countries Explore Nansha’s Technology, Heritage, and Rural Ecology

A group of 19 international students from 13 countries, including Russia, the United States, France, Brazil, and Uzbekistan, spent a day in Guangzhou’s Nansha District on August 5 exploring the area’s technology, intangible cultural heritage, and rural ecology. The students, enrolled at universities such as Tsinghua University’s Shenzhen International Graduate School, Sun Yat-sen University, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), gained a firsthand look at the diverse facets of this emerging city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

International student representatives pose for a group photo in Nansha

The students began their visit at the Nansha International Talent Port and took an autonomous taxi operated by Pony.ai to the GAC Technology Museum.

“The ride was very smooth. I was quite nervous at first, but by the time I got out, I was amazed — Nansha has such advanced autonomous driving technology. It’s really impressive,” said a Russian student who participated in the tour.

At the GAC Technology Museum, the students were captivated by displays of new-energy vehicles, futuristic concept cars, and intelligent connected-vehicle technologies, frequently taking photos with their phones.

Nansha’s distinctive Lingnan intangible cultural heritage also left a strong impression on the students. In Dongchong Town, they experienced two local intangible cultural heritage practices — Xiajiaquan and the making of “marriage cakes,” a traditional pastry for wedding celebrations.

International students practice Xiajiaquan

During the Xiajiaquan experience, the students, under the guidance of a martial arts coach, practiced basic moves and routines. They experienced the balance of strength and flexibility characteristic of this traditional martial art and gained insight into the heritage passed down through generations of Lingnan martial arts. In the workshop for making “marriage cakes,” another local intangible cultural heritage craft, the students followed the instructions of master bakers, kneading dough, pressing molds, and shaping pastries, gaining firsthand experience of traditional pastry-making techniques.

At Waterbird World, the students came face-to-face with pelicans, white peacocks, and other rare birds, experiencing the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The park’s distinctive bamboo-and-wood pavilions inspired by Thai, Indonesian, and Laotian architectural styles also allowed the students to experience Nansha’s unique appeal as part of the Belt and Road community.

International students pick and taste Shine Muscat grapes

The group then visited the more than 400-mu Zhizheng Farm, where they picked and sampled sweet Shine Muscat grapes straight from the vines.

“Nansha is not only home to modern car factories and automated ports, but also wetland parks and large orchards. It is truly a diverse and vibrant city that leaves a lasting impression,” said an American student after the tour.