Discovering Chengdu: A Journey of Culture, Connection, and Growth

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Chengdu, China, as a student ambassador representing Dundee University. Although it wasn’t my first time in China, Chengdu left a lasting impression on me with its warm-hearted people and vibrant culture. The trip was eye-opening, allowing me to reconnect with my heritage while forging meaningful bonds with peers from around the world.

From the moment I landed at Tianfu International Airport, I felt warmly welcomed, by both the weather and the people. The student ambassadors greeted me at the arrival gate, waving enthusiastically with a sign that read, "Welcome to SWUFE, Chengdu!" This instantly melted my heart. They even helped with my luggage and guided us to our hotel, setting the tone for the rest of our stay.

Our first day at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) was a memorable one. The campus was vast and well-secured, with three canteen blocks—something I miss dearly. We were given temporary student cards, which allowed us to access most campus facilities, including those canteens where I often enjoyed meals.

What really stood out to me was the warmth and friendliness of everyone I met. Whether locals or fellow students, they were incredibly kind and approachable. Chengdu's food was another unforgettable highlight—spicy, distinctive, and full of flavour. I especially miss the mala xiangguo from the campus cafeteria. The culinary experiences of Chengdu left me with a taste that lingered long after I returned home.

Our itinerary was packed with visits to iconic landmarks like the Panda Base, the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and the mesmerizing Sichuan Opera. One of the more serene and special moments was at Wenshu Temple, where I had the chance to write the Heart Sutra—a memory I’ll always cherish.

On the cultural side, we had lessons in traditional Chinese paper-cutting and calligraphy, which I found incredibly therapeutic. These hands-on experiences gave me valuable insights into Chinese culture and its rich philosophies, including the deep-rooted concept of collectivism. A highlight was our Hanfu Gala night, where everyone looked beautiful in traditional Chinese costumes—it was truly a magical evening.

As a student ambassador, one of my roles was to collect gifts from students and pass them on to our lecturers—a small but meaningful task that helped bridge the cultural exchange. Apart from my peers from Dundee, there were also students from Australia National University. Although we hadn’t met before, this trip allowed us to form genuine friendships. It was amazing to see how, despite our different backgrounds, we connected so easily and naturally. Also, thanks to Mona for being such a lovely student ambassador partner from Dundee as well! 

I’d also like to give special mention to the local student ambassadors in Chengdu, such as Yuxia, Miao, Zach, Paul, Sonia, Serendipity, and the others. Their English was excellent, and they were always so reliable, guiding us through downtown Chengdu and helping us fully experience the culture. Their presence made the journey even more enjoyable and lively. Special thanks to the teacher of the program, Niki, for making these happen, connecting us with the local students!

Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly grateful. It allowed me to reconnect with my Chinese roots as a Malaysian Chinese, while also deepening my bond with my Dundee peers, all in a setting far from home. The blend of English and Mandarin, combined with the constant exploration, left me both a bit of tiring however deeply fulfilled.

This journey will forever remind me of the beauty of cultural exchange and the powerful connections we can form, no matter where we come from.