From July 26 to August 2, 2024, the "Discovery Program" Joint Geography Field Study for Mainland and Hong Kong Universities was successfully hosted at Lanzhou University. The event was organized under the Exchange Program for Teachers and Students from Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan by the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs, Ministry of Education, and co-organized by Lanzhou University’s Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University, the National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center for Geographical Science at Nanjing Normal University, the College of Geography at Southwest University, and Lanzhou University’s Glaciology and Desert Research Center. The field study attracted 102 participants, including faculty and students from 18 universities, including Lanzhou University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Southwest University, and Nanjing Normal University.
The opening ceremony, held on the morning of July 27, was chaired by Professor Li Zhuolun, head of the Glaciology and Desert Research Center at Lanzhou University. Mr. Chi Gang, Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs at Lanzhou University, extended a warm welcome to all participants from the two regions and set expectations for the field study. He emphasized that the "Discovery Program," now in its 17th edition, plays a key role in fostering exchanges between Mainland and Hong Kong universities and serves as an important link for strengthening ties among youth from these regions. He expressed hope that the event would deepen connections and understanding among young people from Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and promote further collaboration in scientific research and talent development.
Professor Li Yu, Dean of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lanzhou University and President of the Gansu Geographic Society, welcomed all participants on behalf of the School. In his speech, he highlighted the unique features and innovative aspects of the joint field study and emphasized that fieldwork is a vital part of training in geography. He encouraged participants to embody the "Five Diligences" spirit of earlier generations of scientists during the challenging 2,000-kilometer journey, and not only enhance their professional knowledge but also gain new insights into life, the world, and their values.
Professor Guo Meiyu from the Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University presented a gift to the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences on behalf of the Hong Kong students and faculty, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education for organizing the Exchange Program. She noted that the event holds great significance for Hong Kong students in terms of academic advancement and deepening their understanding of Northwest China. She also reflected on the long-standing partnership between the Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University and Lanzhou University over the past decade, sharing moving stories of cultural exchange and practical collaboration. She expressed her hope for the continuation of this valuable program.
Professor Li Hongbo, Vice Dean of the School of Geographical Science at Nanjing Normal University, thanked the organizing institutions. He underscored the irreplaceable role of fieldwork in geography, as it develops students' comprehensive thinking and practical skills. He also highlighted that the joint field study, with participants from 18 universities, not only deepens academic understanding but also strengthens academic exchange and collaboration between Mainland and Hong Kong, nurturing a new generation of geographers with global perspectives, national pride, and innovative abilities.
Opening Ceremony Remarks
Professor Guan Qingyu, Vice Dean of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lanzhou University, and Professor Zhou Yun, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office at Nanjing Normal University, jointly presented the flags to the field study teams.
Presentation of Gifts and Flag Ceremony
Group Photo of All Participants
Following the opening ceremony, Professor Li Zhuolun provided an overview of the field study's objectives, locations, key observation points, and safety considerations. Professor Wang Naian, the initiator of the "Discovery Program" and a professor at Lanzhou University, delivered an academic lecture titledArchaeological Discoveries and Research in the Badain Jaran Desert.
Field Study Introduction and Academic Lecture
From the afternoon of July 27, participants embarked on their fieldwork journey, divided into groups and braving the summer heat along the Silk Road. They conducted comprehensive field studies on various elements of Earth system science, including geomorphology, climate, soil, vegetation, hydrology, and human activities, across typical geographic regions such as the Loess Plateau of Longxi, the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, the Hexi Corridor, and the Alxa Plateau, covering over 2,000 kilometers. The program emphasized academic rigor and professional skills, with participants strengthening their field investigation techniques. The study also fostered deeper interaction between Mainland and Hong Kong students and faculty through academic lectures, fieldwork, and social activities.
Field Lessons by Faculty
Field Study Methods and Skills Training
Fieldwork Group Photo
On August 1, the group completed the field study and returned to Lanzhou. The summary and presentation session took place on August 2, where seven groups presented their findings. Faculty leaders asked questions, scored the presentations, and recommended outstanding groups. Professor Li Chuanwu, Dean of the College of Urban and Regional Planning at Yancheng Normal University, and Professor Wang Yong, Vice Dean of the College of Geography at Southwest University, provided feedback as faculty representatives.
Group Presentations
Faculty Q&A and Feedback
At the closing ceremony, Professor Guan Qingyu expressed gratitude to the guiding teachers from all participating universities for their dedication and hard work. He commended the students for their active participation, teamwork, and contributions to the success of the joint field study. He encouraged participants to apply what they learned in their future studies and continue exploring geography with passion and curiosity.
Awards and Closing Ceremony
Since 2006, Lanzhou University has successfully hosted 17 editions of the "Discovery Program" Joint Geography Field Study for Mainland and Hong Kong universities. This initiative has become a model for regional joint field studies in China. The program has significantly enhanced Hong Kong students' understanding of Northwest China and fostered academic and cultural exchanges between the two regions. By fully utilizing the educational resources of field study bases and maintaining fixed teams, routes, and content, the program has achieved notable success and garnered positive social impact. Media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily Online, Hong Kong Wen Wei Po, and Sohu have provided coverage of the event.
