March 10－12, 2023

As regular travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland has resumed, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Cross-Strait Hakka Research Centre, the School of Communication (SCOM) organised a study tour to Meizhou of Guangdong for students research the daily lifestyle of local Hakka people and explore Hakka culture. The profound Hakka culture deeply impressed both students and teachers and the trip resulted in meaningful learnings and connections. The School believes that such cultural activities will strengthen students’ ability to tell the stories of China as they can bring together their communication knowledge and skills and cultural elements.

The study tour was led by Professor Scarlet Tso, Dean of School of Communication, and included Dr James Chang, Associate Professor; Ms Connie Chan, Senior Lecturer; Ms Bonnie Ng, an administrative staff member, as well as number of students. On the morning of 10 March 2023, the group departed from Hong Kong and arrived in Meizhou. They then attended a welcome dinner where they enjoyed pleasant discussions with representatives from Jiaying University and other Hakka culture experts. After dinner, they were also entertained with Hakka songs and Hakka music performances arranged by the university.

On 11 March, the delegation visited the Hakka Museum of China to explore Hakka history, the Tulou architectural style, the Hakka economic developments, as well as Hakka people’s everyday life. Throughout the visit, the honorary advisors of the Hong Kong Cross-strait Hakka Research Centre provided detailed explanations of the various aspects of Hakka culture while students made careful observations and recorded what they saw and felt in the Museum. The advisors and students also exchanged ideas from time to time. The group later visited the Memorial Hall of Lin Fengmian and the Qunfeng Village and learned more about famous historical and present Hakka people. The group also visited Ye Jianying Memorial Park and Yan Nanfei Tea Garden as.

On the final day of the trip, the delegation visited the Guangdong Meixian County Foreign Language School, where members learned about their high-end education operation model. The group then went to Wuhua County and was warmly welcomed by local officials, where they had the opportunity to visit the former residence of the great Chinese football star, Li Huitang.

Although it was a short and busy itinerary, students gained valuable insights and benefited greatly from the learnings and meaningful exchanges throughout their journey. The School hopes that with inspiration from the trip, students will be more enthusiastic when promoting Hakka culture. Professor Tso also commented that the experience was fulfilling and unforgettable and believes the experience will encourage the students to passionately discuss the treasures of Meizhou, Hong Kong and Mainland China to others, hence, contributing to the promotion of the Chinese cultural traditions and the country’s progress and modernisation.