Students from the Maldives learn to make Peking Opera masks. [Photo/Yangzhou Polytechnic University]

The 2025 "Discover Jiangsu" Yangzhou Cultural Heritage International Summer School took place recently at Yangzhou Polytechnic University, hosting a group of 14 students and teachers from the Maldives.

Throughout the program, participants visited YPU's campus, including tours of the international student dormitories, the Advanced Technology Demonstration Center for Intelligent Manufacturing, the BYD Industry-Education Integration Academy, and the medical training base. At the traditional Chinese medicine massage experience zone, students received practical exposure to China's vocational education approach.

The group also attended lectures at the School of Tourism, covering topics such as digital hotel operations and smart tourism management. In addition, they engaged in tea art workshops, gaining first-hand appreciation of Chinese tea culture.

Off campus, the group explored renowned sites such as the China Grand Canal Museum, Yangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasure Museum, Yangzhou International Communication Space, Daming Temple, and Dongguan Street. They participated in cultural workshops to create Chinese knots and Peking Opera masks, enjoyed a live Yangzhou Opera performance, and sampled authentic Huaiyang Cuisine.

The students also toured off-campus training bases at Slender West Lake, Geyuan Garden, and the State Guesthouse, highlighting YPU's emphasis on hands-on learning and industry integration.

A student tries to make a Peking Opera mask. [Photo/Yangzhou Polytechnic University]

During the closing ceremony, participants expressed heartfelt reflections. Alya from the Maldives National University said, "This summer school gave us deep insight into China's advanced vocational education system and made us fall in love with Yangzhou's cultural charm. I hope to return to study tourism in China."

Another student from Villa College said, "The experience showed us the profound beauty of Chinese culture. Yangzhou Polytechnic University is a beautiful campus with top-tier teaching quality. I hope to study Chinese and professional skills here later this year."