The students from the Harvard Kennedy School pose for a group photo at Tuopu Group, one of many stops during their visit to Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

A group of students from the Harvard Kennedy School recently concluded their visit to Ningbo, Zhejiang province, as part of the Harvard Students' China Trek 2024.

The 30-member delegation, representing 16 different countries and regions worldwide, embarked on a comprehensive journey to explore China's rich cultural and academic landscape. Before arriving in Ningbo, the students had already delved into the vibrant cities of Beijing and Shanghai.

For Hamza Ahmed from the United Kingdom, the visit marked his inaugural encounter with China. In the Zhenhai district of Ningbo, he explored the rich tradition of the Xiepu Boat Drum, a folk dance embodying the customs of the local fishermen in eastern Zhejiang. The rhythmic drumming, boat-shaped props, and folk melodies left an indelible impression on Ahmed, surpassing his prior exposure to traditional Chinese culture through media.

Ahmed stressed the significance of fostering cultural interaction through people-to-people exchanges. "As China's international influence continues to expand, promoting mutual understanding between China and different countries through cultural exchanges becomes increasingly vital. The 'China Trek' provides a valuable platform for communication and exchange," he emphasized.

The students also had the privilege of visiting the Tuopu Group, an auto parts manufacturer based in Ningbo's Beilun district, where they were enthralled by the state-of-the-art manufacturing technology on display.

Liu Weiwei, co-chair of the Harvard Kennedy School China Society and one of the organizers of Harvard Students' China Trek 2024, reflected on the delegation's experiences in Ningbo. "Ningbo, as the final destination of our trip, has not only unveiled the unique allure of the Jiangnan water towns but has also allowed us to witness the innovative force of Chinese manufacturing. We earnestly hope that, through the event, the world can gain a more authentic, multidimensional insight into China," Liu expressed.

For over a decade, the annual Harvard Students' China Trek has served as a vital platform for fostering grassroots academic and cultural exchange between China and numerous nations.

Hamza Ahmed from the United Kingdom immerses himself in the Xiepu Boat Drum, a folk dance embodying the customs of the local fishermen in eastern Zhejiang. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]