From November 24 to 30, the “China–Foreign Young Scholars Hainan Cultural Exchange Program,” hosted by Hainan University and the Hainan International Cultural Exchange Center, and organized by the School of International Communication & Arts of Hainan University together with the Secretariat of the Tropical Zone Universities Alliance, was successfully held.
As the Hainan Free Trade Port approaches its closure-and-operation stage, the province is shaping itself into a new highland of opening-up and fostering a higher-level framework for international cooperation and cultural exchange. At the closing ceremony, Hainan University Vice President Yue Wen remarked, “Young people are the driving force behind mutual learning among civilizations. Through this rich and diverse exchange program, we have witnessed the brilliant sparks created when different cultures meet and learn from each other.”In November 2023, Hainan University initiated the founding of the Tropical Zone Universities Alliance. As of November 17, 2025, the alliance has brought together 106 universities and research institutions from 44 countries and regions, forming a collaborative network that crosses borders and integrates diverse cultures. Vice President Yue also stated, “Relying on this alliance platform, Hainan University will continue to host the China–Foreign Young Scholars Hainan Cultural Exchange Program, developing it into a flagship event of the alliance, and building a long-term bridge for global youth to communicate and learn from one another.”
At the closing ceremony, He Yingmin, Party Secretary of the School of International Communication & Arts, presented certificates to the winners of the Outstanding Short Video Awards, marking the successful conclusion of the program.
Participants of this year’s event came from 13 universities across 11 countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Cambodia, Ecuador, Mauritius, and others. During the seven-day, six-night program, the young scholars explored Hainan’s lush tea plantations and experienced the essence of traditional Chinese tea culture; rafted along the clear streams of Wuzhishan to feel the vitality of the tropical rainforest; visited intangible cultural heritage exhibitions to appreciate traditional craftsmanship such as Li brocade weaving; entered the Danzhou Tanka fishing village to observe unique maritime lifestyles; visited the China (Hainan) South China Sea Museum to trace the history of the Maritime Silk Road; toured the Wenchang Space Launch Center to witness the remarkable achievements of China’s aerospace industry; and strolled along the century-old Qilou Old Street in Haikou to appreciate its historical charm.
Malaysian scholar Joey Heng Yon Yin said, “Over the past few days, we were fully immersed in Hainan’s diverse cultural experiences. The arcade-style architecture of Haikou blends Chinese, Western, and Nanyang influences, as if telling the century-long story of connections between Hainan and Southeast Asia. As a Malaysian Chinese, I was deeply moved by this scene, which reflects the long-standing ties and friendship between our peoples. We were also fortunate to visit the Wenchang Space Launch Center, where the towering launch towers and advanced aerospace facilities allowed us to truly feel the remarkable achievements of China’s space industry and the technological vitality of modern Hainan.”
Mauritian scholar Yaseen Mowlabaccus shared, “This is my first time in China and in Hainan. As the exchange deepened, I discovered a peaceful, warm, and friendly China. Everyone I met was kind and always willing to help. This experience taught me that no matter where we come from—even from a small island nation like Mauritius—every one of us has a place in the global family.”
