Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

THE “Walking in Guangming” event, organized by the Guangming District Foreign Affairs Bureau, was held at the Shenzhen campus of Sun Yat-sen University on Saturday. The event drew dozens of participants, including expats living and working in the district and local residents.

American Andrade Espinoza Gonzalo was among the first to arrive at the university in the morning. Captivated by the stunning scenery, he shared his excitement in the participants’ WeChat group, exclaiming, “This campus is so beautiful; it reminds me of UCLA [University of California-Los Angeles] in my country.”

The Shenzhen campus of Sun Yat-sen University was established in 2015. The Ministry of Education approved its establishment in December of the same year, and construction began in June 2018. The first phase of the project was completed in 2023.

Spanning approximately 3.143 sqkm, the campus aligns its focus with the strategic needs of the nation while integrating with Shenzhen’s industrial development and innovation initiatives.

During the hours-long campus tour, participants strolled through various facilities, gaining an understanding of the university’s construction philosophy and academic environment. They explored the campus on foot and enjoyed a diverse selection of dishes in the cafeteria. After lunch, they got on an electric cart to navigate the expansive area.

George Manger, from England, commenting on his visit, said, “The first impression was how big it is. It’s a giant campus, and we only saw a small part of it. It seems very quiet, a place where you can really study without many distractions, which is great. You could do some good work here. It’s peaceful, and the environment is lovely.”

Niamh King-Haughey, also from the U.K., expressed her astonishment at the campus size, stating, “I can’t believe how huge it is. It’s really lovely, and I saw the red bricks. They feel very English, like a red brick university in my country.”

Quinn Dobbins, from the U.S., had previously suggested the campus tour during an international exchange event last month. “There were times I drove by the campus — the red brick buildings attracted my attention. I want to visit it because it looks like a new university in a new area,” he shared with Shenzhen Daily.

“After finally touring the campus, I’m very impressed. I learned that it focuses on medicine and engineering, which aligns well with Guangming’s future goals. It’s fascinating to see the university’s alignment with the district’s vision.”

Having lived and worked in Guangming for over a year, Dobbins recommended local attractions like Hongqiao Park and Zuo’an Science and Technology Park, stating, “You have to see Hongqiao Park, which is a landmark here. The Zuo’an park is also nice for a morning walk. I’m looking forward to the new science museum opening soon here — I really want to check that out.”

The Guangming District Foreign Affairs Bureau said it plans to hold similar events regularly, aiming to enrich the cultural lives of both Chinese and foreign residents, enhance the international presence of Guangming, and promote the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.