From 4 to 13 December 2025, eleven students from Stellenbosch University (SU), led by CISU Chinese language teacher Zuo Liugang, travelled to China to participate in the “Chinese Bridge” University Student Winter Camp. The programme was organised by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and hosted by Xiamen University. Through a combination of language learning, cultural experiences and on-site visits, the winter camp aimed to deepen South African youth’s understanding of the Chinese language and culture, while further promoting people-to-people exchange and cooperation between China and South Africa.

During the first seven days of the programme, participants attended a series of thematic lectures and hands-on courses at Xiamen University’s Xiang’an Campus. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of China’s education system; intangible cultural heritage such as dough sculpture, Minnan stone carving and tea culture; the development of Chinese animation; and traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, students experienced traditional physical activities such as Five-Step Boxing and took part in cultural visits to representative landmarks, including Xiamen University’s Siming Campus, Gulangyu Island and Zhongshan Road.

In the final three days, the winter camp group travelled to Beijing, where they visited iconic historical and cultural sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall. Through these visits, students gained first-hand insight into China’s long history as well as its modern development achievements. Emphasising interaction and experiential learning, the programme allowed participants to “learn through travel and travel through learning,” significantly enhancing their practical Chinese language skills and overall understanding of contemporary Chinese society and culture.

The winter camp was carefully organised by the College of International Chinese Education / Overseas Education College of Xiamen University. With well-structured arrangements and rich content, the programme provided South African students with an unforgettable journey in China. Participant Simone Burger commented, “Everything during the winter camp was well organised. We always knew where to go and what to do, which made us feel very safe.” Taaraa Lakay shared, “I can’t believe my first time abroad was such an amazing experience. I didn’t expect to enjoy Chinese food so much, and the historical sites were truly fascinating. I hope to return to China to pursue my master’s degree.” Many students noted that the winter camp broadened their horizons, enriched their knowledge and strengthened their determination to continue learning Chinese and gain a deeper understanding of China.

As a flagship programme of the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch University, the “Chinese Bridge” Winter Camp selects around ten students each year to visit China, with the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) as a mandatory requirement. Rooted at Stellenbosch University and committed to telling China’s stories well, the Confucius Institute will continue to promote such cultural exchange initiatives, providing more South African students with opportunities to study and gain practical experience in China, and contributing to mutual understanding and friendship between young people in China and South Africa.