Following the strong momentum of the second “Shining Young Global Broadcasters” Competition, a new wave of cross-cultural exchange has continued to unfold at the  Communication University of Zhejiang (CUZ). To extend the educational impact of the competition and deepen interaction between Chinese and international students, the university’s School of International Education, in collaboration with the School of Broadcasting and Hosting Arts, launched a themed study tour programme titled “Reading West Lake, Reciting Hangzhou.”

A Collaborative Learning Experience

The programme brought together international students from universities including Zhejiang Gongshang University and Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, alongside students majoring in Broadcasting and Hosting Arts at CUZ. Participants came from countries such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The initiative was led by Zhou Wenwen, Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Broadcasting Department at CUZ, and Zhu Jinxiu, founder of the “Age of Innocence Book Bar” and former lecturer at Xiamen University and Zhejiang Gongshang University.

Exploring Culture Through Landscape and Poetry

Focusing on the cultural heritage of West Lake, the programme was structured around two main components.

The first was a guided cultural tour, during which Chinese students acted as cultural ambassadors, leading their international peers through the scenic hills and viewpoints surrounding West Lake. The experience offered a panoramic understanding of the region’s historical legacy and its integration with modern urban development.

The second was a poetry session centred on the “Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake.” Guided by the instructors, students explored the cultural meanings behind these iconic landscapes through classical Chinese poetry. Interactive activities such as “guess the scene from the verse” enabled international participants to engage more deeply with the imagery and symbolism of traditional Chinese literature.

Building Skills and Shared Understanding

As an extension of the “Shining Young Global Broadcasters” Competition, the programme provided a platform for mutual growth.

International students enhanced their language proficiency and cultural interpretation skills, while also forming friendships across borders. At the same time, Chinese students strengthened their cultural confidence and broadened their global perspectives through direct intercultural engagement.

By combining field experience with artistic expression, the study tour demonstrated how cultural heritage can serve as a bridge—connecting people, ideas, and voices across different backgrounds.