金秋十月，随着新学期课程教学有序推进，国际学生逐渐适应校园生活。10 月 11 日，中国科学院大学人文学院罗武干教授组织 China Panorama（中国概况）课程全体选课留学生前往八达岭长城，开展了一次别开生面的文化体验活动。来自多个国家的留学生在老师的带领下走出教室、走进历史现场，登临长城，在行走中感受中华文明的厚重与魅力。


In the golden days of early October, as new semester courses got smoothly underway, international students at UCAS had gradually settled into campus life. On October 11, Professor Luo Wugan from the School of Humanities at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences led all international students enrolled in the China Panorama course on a special cultural field trip to the Badaling Great Wall. Students from dozens of countries stepped out of the classroom and into a real historical site, climbing the Great Wall to experience the depth and enduring charm of Chinese civilization on the ground.



抵达景区后，同学们沿长城步道依次攀登，沿途观察城墙、敌楼、烽火台等建筑遗存。罗武干老师结合现场实物，介绍了长城从边防工程到文化符号的历史演变。多位留学生此前仅在教材和影视作品中接触过长城，攀登途中表示，实地所见的工程规模与地形地势，和课堂上的图片讲解相比感受完全不同。登临之后，大家深深感受到了这处世界文化遗产承载的坚韧品格与民族精神，实现了从书本上的间接认知到实地亲身感知的转变。同学们彼此交流学习心得，也相互介绍各自国家的历史文化与在华生活体验。罗武干老师沿途引导同学们将课堂所学与现场观察相互对照，鼓励大家结合实物多作思考。

After arriving at the scenic area, the group climbed up the wall along the walkway, observing surviving structures including the battlements, watchtowers, and beacon fire towers along the route. Using the physical structures right in front of them as teaching aids, Professor Luo walked students through the Great Wall’s historical evolution — from an ancient frontier defense engineering project to a globally recognized cultural icon. Many students had only encountered the Great Wall in textbooks and films before; as they climbed, they shared that the sheer scale of the construction and the steep, rugged mountain terrain they saw in person felt completely different from the photo-based explanations in class. Once they reached the top, they gained a tangible sense of the resilience and national spirit carried by this UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the shift from indirect, textbook-based knowledge to direct, lived experience. Along the way, students swapped study takeaways, and shared stories about their home countries’ histories and cultures, as well as their first impressions of life in China. Professor Luo prompted students to connect what they had learned in lectures with what they observed on site, encouraging them to think through what they were seeing rather than only repeating what they read.



活动结束后，同学们普遍反映，此次长城之行让书本上的历史知识变得具体可感，和中国同学结伴同行、交流互动，也让大家对接下来的在华学习生活更加期待。未来，大家希望在学习之余继续走进中国的历史文化与社会生活，在多走、多看、多感受中进一步认识和了解中国。


After the trip, most students reflected that the visit turned abstract historical knowledge from their textbooks into something concrete and vivid. Walking and interacting alongside Chinese peers also left them far more excited about their upcoming studies and life in China. Looking ahead, they hope to keep engaging with Chinese history, culture, and everyday social life outside the classroom, building a deeper understanding of China by seeing more, exploring more, and experiencing more first-hand.



Reflections from participating international students

FAITH OYEWALE OLABIS

On the 11th of October, 2026, I had the privilege of taking a field trip to the Great Wall of China at Badaling, in Beijing, under the guidance of Professor Luo. Climbing the giant steps of the Great Wall to reach the peak tower was a beautiful experience that I will always remember. The Great Wall stands as a testament to the ancient civilization and engineering skills of the Chinese empire. Learning about the history of the wall and the sacrifices behind its construction revealed not only the Chinese spirit of unity, but also the resilience and strength of the Chinese people. The experience further made me appreciate China’s contribution to global development, particularly its significant advances in science, engineering, and technology. I aim to carry this spirit of resilience into my work and my contribution to scientific development.

Kassahun Azezew

On Sunday, 11 October 2026, I visited the Great Wall in Beijing. It was an unforgettable experience. The Wall stretched across the mountains like a giant dragon, and the scenery was breathtaking. Although the climb was tiring, I was amazed by the ancient architecture and the effort it took to build such a wonder. I took many photos and learned more about Chinese history. Standing on the Wall, I felt proud and inspired. This trip not only gave me a chance to exercise but also deepened my appreciation for China’s cultural heritage. I will always remember this meaningful visit.

Tekalgn mamay Daget

On October 12, 2026, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing through the kind invitation of our Chinese Panorama professor. The Great Wall is one of the world's most remarkable historical landmarks and a symbol of China's rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural excellence. Standing on this magnificent structure, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, was an unforgettable experience filled with joy, excitement, and admiration. We are truly grateful to our professor and his team for organizing this memorable visit, which allowed us to learn more about Chinese history and culture while creating beautiful memories together. It was indeed a happy and inspiring day that we will always cherish!

Nardos Asefa Mergia

The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most famous historical landmarks, with a history spanning more than 2,000 years. Ancient Chinese states built separate walls to protect their territories from invasions. Around the third century BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang connected many of these walls to strengthen the country's defenses. During the Ming Dynasty, they rebuilt and reinforced large sections. The wall served as a defense system, with watchtowers used for surveillance and communication. Today, it is a symbol of China's rich history, remarkable engineering, and cultural heritage, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

At the Great Wall of China, I saw magnificent ancient stone walls stretching across the mountains, tall watchtowers, beautiful natural scenery, and many visitors enjoying the historic site. The wall winds up and down the mountain ridges, creating breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. I also saw people walking along the steep steps, taking photographs, and appreciating this incredible symbol of Chinese history and culture. It was truly amazing to witness such a remarkable landmark with my own eyes. 

Walking on the Great Wall of China was an unforgettable experience and a dream come true. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and magnificent ancient walls, every step felt like a journey through history. The stunning views, the fresh air, and the incredible architecture made the walk truly special. It was more than just visiting a famous landmark; it was a moment of joy, wonder, and appreciation for China's rich history that I will cherish forever.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my professor for allowing me to visit the Great Wall of China and experience this remarkable historical landmark. It was an unforgettable journey that allowed me to appreciate China's rich history, culture, and incredible architecture.






图文：左添 

审核：罗武干

Photos and text by Zuo Tian 

Reviewed by Luo Wugan