International students start ice breaking tour

The number of new international students studying at Shenzhen University Park in Nanshan District has doubled to nearly 1,000 this school year, according to a welcome ceremony for new students organized by Taoyuan Subdistrict and Tsinghua University Shenzhen Graduate School on Saturday. 

Foreign students and international talents read the Nanshan District Foreigners' Service Manual on the welcome ceremony.

At the welcome ceremony, which was attended by about 80 foreign students and international talents from nearly 30 countries, Li Zhaozhi, secretary of the Party Work Committee of Taoyuan Subdistrict, said the welcome event was to help international students better adapt to studying and living in Shenzhen and integrate more deeply into Chinese communities. 

The Taoyuan Subdistrict, the core area of Xili Lake International Science and Education City (X-Lake Sciensity), is home to Tsinghua University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Liyuan Campus of Shenzhen University and Tianjin University-Georgia Tech Shenzhen College. It has become a science and education hub in Nanshan, attracting an increasing number of international talents to study and live there.

According to Ouyang Zhongkun, deputy director of the Global Affairs Office at Tsinghua SIGS, the drastic increase in international students has shown the attractiveness of Shenzhen as a vibrant city. He expected the students to combine their dreams with the innovative spirit of Nanshan to create a brighter future. 

The ceremony also saw the release of the Nanshan District Foreigners' Service Manual, a handbook providing practical information and service details for foreigners working, living and setting up businesses in Nanshan.

After the ceremony, the students embarked on a half-day sightseeing bus tour, visiting landmarks to experience first-hand achievements in integrating technology, ecology, commerce, living and development. The bus passed key points such as Shenzhen Bay Technology Ecology Park, Nantou Ancient City, Tencent Building, China Resources Headquarters, Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, MixC, By Glory Ferris Wheel, Shenzhen Bay Park and Dashahhe Ecological Corridor, connecting Shenzhen's creative landscapes, cultural history and technological ecology.

"It was a truly amazing experience. Not only did the trip offer beautiful views, but it also enhanced my knowledge of Chinese culture, especially through an interesting drama performance on the cruise. One of the best parts was meeting new friends from different backgrounds. It was a great opportunity to connect with others and share our experiences. The peaceful atmosphere and cultural activities made the trip very enjoyable," said Mhuammad Iftikhar Hussain, a student from Pakistan studying microbiology at Shenzhen University of Advanced Technologies (SUAT).

According to Hussain, SUAT has enrolled six Pakistani students this year, most of whom are working on interdisciplinary research projects, particularly in the fields of biomedical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence. 

Yanakorn Asawaprecha, a student from PHBS Class 2024 from Thailand, liked the clean, safe and environmentally friendly environment of Nanshan, which is perfect for leisurely walks.

"I entered Shenzhen from Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint at night, the Spring Bamboo (China Resources Tower) under the light was stunning, I really liked the architecture," said Yanakorn Asawaprecha. 

"I really like the balance between nature and the modern development of Nanshan. From the urban areas, we can find green spaces and even mountains," said Yanakorn Asawaprecha.