Students and Professors from Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macao join exchange camp at UM to explore civilisations through academic exchange

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The 3rd Tsinghua University-Hong Kong Polytechnic University-University of Macau Academic Exchange Camp took place at the University of Macau (UM). With the theme of ‘China and the World: Society, History, and Culture’, the five-day camp brought together 123 students and faculty members from the three universities to explore the contemporary value of and ways to promote traditional Chinese culture through in-depth academic discussions and cultural activities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on 25 June, Yonghua Song, rector of UM, highlighted the three objectives of the exchange camp: to promote collaboration among the three universities and facilitate mutual learning between ancient and modern civilisations; to hold new master’s and doctoral forums for high-calibre students; and to guide young people in integrating into national development by leveraging Macao’s role as a hub where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist and by exploring traditional and innovative practices and the concept of ‘a community with a shared future for mankind’. Song encouraged participants to uphold a rigorous and pragmatic attitude, engage in open communication, and actively take part in discussions and field visits in Macao to pave the way for future cooperation.

Gu Tao, dean of Rixin College at Tsinghua University, expressed hope that the exchange camp would promote cultural exchange in East Asia and help build an academic community among Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macao. Li Ping, dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), expressed hope that participants would take the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions on the inheritance and innovation of Chinese history and culture in Macao. He also mentioned that PolyU has made ‘Chinese History and Culture’ a compulsory subject and established the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture. Also present at the opening ceremony were Lam Tai Fai, chairman of the Council of PolyU; Xu Jie, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH) at UM; and Lei Lai Cheng, assistant dean of FAH.

The exchange camp featured a diverse array of activities. Li Jun, head of the Department of Arts and Design in FAH, gave a lecture on Macao’s cultural history, with commentary by Lin Shaoyang, Distinguished Professor in the Department of History in FAH. In another lecture, Zhang Yan, director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture at UM, demonstrated ‘cunfa’, a brush technique in Chinese landscape painting, enabling participants to appreciate the charm of ink art. Four parallel academic seminars were held, where students and faculty from Tsinghua University, UM, and PolyU presented over 120 research reports on literature, history, and philosophy. In addition, the participants conducted field visits to historical landmarks in Macao, such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Mandarin’s House.

At the closing ceremony, Zhang Yan highlighted the significant achievements of the newly established doctoral forum, where over 30 interdisciplinary reports were presented. The forum had effectively enhanced the research capabilities of young scholars, promoting the creative transformation of traditional Chinese culture. He added that the exchange camp had leveraged Macao’s unique historical and cultural resources to provide immersive learning experiences, and a unique perspective on the interactions between China and the rest of the world. The camp also strengthened cooperation among the three universities and established a robust platform for cultivating talent in the humanities and social sciences with global vision.

The exchange camp was presented by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture in UM FAH. It aimed to provide the three universities with a valuable, replicable experiential learning model through lectures, academic seminars, visits to Portuguese-style architecture, and reflective discussions. The camp also deepened exchanges in the humanities and social sciences among top universities in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macao, while also contributing to the national cultural development strategy.

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau Visits Ten Schools to Build a New Platform for Chinese Historical and Cultural Education in May 2025

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From May 19 to 29, 2025, Prof. Zhang Yan, Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture at the University of Macau, and Dr. Cheang Neng Ian, Deputy Director, led teams to visit ten schools, including Saint John de Brito School, Escola de Sainta Teresa Macau, Saint Paul School Macau, Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima, Sheng Kung Hui Escola Choi Kou Macau, Hou Kong Middle School, Lou Hau High School, Escola Secundaria Pui Va, Escola Sun Wah, and Macau Baptist College. The discussions focused on topics such as the inheritance of Chinese culture, patriotic education practices, and collaborative teaching resources, injecting new momentum into the cultural literacy enhancement of Macao’s youth.

1. Focus on Multidimensional Cooperation Highlights

Sheng Kung Hui Escola Choi Kou Macau

The Centre invited various secondary schools to participate in the “Red Culture Investigation” activity, combining the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance to deepen patriotic education. A multi-school cooperative investigation model was proposed to promote inter-school interaction and exchange. All ten schools actively responded, expressing their commitment to participate in the work of inheriting Chinese culture.

Saint John de Brito School

2. Support for Teacher Professional Development

The Centre proposed to establish a shared platform for historical teaching resources, committing to provide educational resources and teaching support. It will regularly organize teaching training and case-sharing workshops.

Escola de Sainta Teresa Macau

3. Innovative Cross-School Collaboration

The Centre will continue to launch cultural lectures and invite students from various schools to participate. Representatives believe that these activities can stimulate students’ critical thinking through historical hot topics, gaining recognition and planning support from all ten schools.

Saint Paul School Macau

4. Outlook for Future Collaborative Development

This series of visits aims to build a cultural education network characterized by “one school, one feature.” The future will focus on “resource sinking and dual empowerment” as the core concept to promote deep collaboration between universities and primary and secondary schools. Representatives from the ten schools unanimously agreed that through joint curriculum development, shared teacher training, and co-hosted activities, they can effectively consolidate the cultural educational synergy in Macau, laying a solid foundation for nurturing a new generation with both an international perspective and cultural confidence.

Escola Secundaria Pui Va

Hou Kong Middle School

The expansion of this cooperative framework marks a shift from isolated breakthroughs in Chinese cultural education in Macau to systematic collaboration, providing a vibrant model for building a humanities bay area in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Lou Hau High School

Colégio de Santa Rosa de Lima

Escola Sun Wah

Macau Baptist College

 

 

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of FAH of UM organizes the “Red Culture of Hunan: Journey of Dreams Together” Study Trip

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From May 23 to 27, 2025, the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Macau organized a study trip titled the “Red Culture of Hunan: Journey of Dreams Together.” A total of thirty professors and students from the university participated in this event, which aimed to strengthen the foundation of youthful beliefs, and allow participants to enhance their patriotic feelings and cultural confidence.

On the first day of the tour, the group led by Prof. Zhang Yan and Dr. Cheang Neng Ian arrived at Hunan University, located at the foot of Yuelu Mountain and by the banks of the Xiang River. Renowned as a “thousand-year-old institution and a century-old famous school,” it is not only an academic sanctuary but also an important source of revolutionary thought and an early activity base for the Party. Revolutionary pioneers, including Mao Zedong.

On May 24, faculty and students visited the Hunan Martyrs’ Memorial Tower and the History Museum of the Communist Party of China in Changsha. They also admired the statue of young Mao Zedong at Orange Isle, embracing the revolutionary spirit of “striking the water in midstream.”

 

On May 25, faculty and students visited the former residence and memorial of Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, where they held a flower-laying ceremony at the statue square.

On May 26, the itinerary extended to Ningxiang’s Tanhe Ancient City, where participants explored Chinese civilization through bronze artifacts and the performance of “Tanhe’s Eternal Love.” Afterwards, they experienced the fusion of modern revolution and contemporary urban life at Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street.

On May 27, professors and students ascended to Du Fu Pavilion to gaze at Orange Isle, concluding their five-day cultural journey with a dialogue between the patriotic sentiments of the Poet Sage and the revolutionary aspirations of great leaders.

This event, combining visits to red sacred sites with experiences of Huxiang culture, allowed faculty and students to deepen their recognition of Chinese culture and their mission of cultural inheritance amidst the intertwining of history and the present.

3rd ‘Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao’ Forum on Classical Literature and Culture “Literary Ability and Classical Texts: The Sinicization and Canonization of Chinese Literature” Successfully Held

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From 10-11 May, 2025, the third “Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao” Forum on Classical Literature and Culture was successfully held at the University of Macau. This forum was organized by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture and the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Macau, in collaboration with the Jiangsu Ancient Literature Society, Nanjing University’s School of Literature, and the Department of Chinese and History at City University of Hong Kong. Experts, professors, and young scholars from various universities and academic institutions in Jiangsu, Hong Kong, and Macao gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on classic themes of Chinese ancient literature and culture.

The Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao Literary Forum was jointly initiated by scholars from the three regions, consistently adhering to the academic interest of fostering friendships through literature while embracing diversity. It serves as an important academic platform in the field of ancient literature. The first forum in Hong Kong discussed “Literature and Peace: Institutions and Literature in Han and Tang-Song Dynasties,” while the second forum in Nanjing explored “Classics and History in Chinese Ancient Literature.” This year’s forum in Macau focused on “Literary Ability and Classical Texts: The Sanitization and Canonization of Chinese Literature,” with academic collaboration continuing to deepen.

During the opening ceremony, Prof. Zhang Yan, Director of the Centre for History and Culture at the University of Macau, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the hosts. Prof. Zhang Jian, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Macau, encouraged young scholars to inherit the humanistic concerns of literary classics and promote the future of Chinese scholarship. Prof. Xu Jie, President of the Jiangsu Ancient Literature Society, recited a poem, hoping that the meeting would create a new academic atmosphere that integrates tradition and innovation, gathers academic wisdom, and continues the legacy of literary traditions.

This forum featured five keynote speeches and two panel discussions, with discussants participating in each session. On the first day, the first keynote address interpreted the multiple aspects of classical texts, with four scholars discussing topics such as character evaluations in the “Analects,” innovative interpretations of Han dynasty calendars, comparisons of variant texts from the Han dynasty, and the influence of Buddhist scripture translations on regulated verse. The second keynote focused on the historical dialogue between literature and socio-cultural contexts, with six scholars exploring the multifaceted effects of literary creation on order construction, classic interpretation, and genre evolution.

In the afternoon, the third keynote address concentrated on the clash between social change and literary theory. Six scholars examined the construction of Ming dynasty poetry history, the “discourse on arts” trend, the interactions between scholars and merchants, and the “celebrity effect” related to lyricists, revealing the deep connections between social mechanisms and literary canonization and theoretical innovation. The fourth keynote address addressed the reconstruction of dimensions in meaning, literature, and history, with four scholars discussing the Neo-Confucian implications in “Peony Pavilion,” the canonization process of anti-Japanese wartime lyric collections, political metaphors in “Dream of the Red Chamber,” and the centennial evolution of traditional novels, presenting new interpretations in a cross-temporal context.

The first day concluded with presentations by doctoral students from the Department of Chinese at the University of Macau. The first group focused on the multidimensional interpretation of historical texts, examining Han dynasty poetic citations, the origins of poetic theory, the rituals of Liu-Song dynasty inspections, and the interplay between literary works and institutional and intellectual histories. The second group highlighted the literary landscape of cross-border flows, discussing literary writings of Ming-Qing immigrants in Guizhou, poetry and prose from overseas travels, cultural memories in operas, and sensory narratives in novels, revealing the rich cultural dimensions and text production mechanisms of literary creation across time and space.

On the second day, the fifth keynote showcased methodological breakthroughs in tradition and innovation. Six scholars discussed topics ranging from the meanings in the “I Ching,” poetics criticism, to the issue of “poetry history,” demonstrating the cross-domain tension between classic interpretation and digital humanities through the evolution of historical narratives, inscription version studies, and large language model experiments in poetics.

After in-depth discussions and intellectual exchanges, the forum concluded successfully. The closing ceremony was hosted by Professor Wang Sihao from the University of Macau, where Professor Xu Jie filled in a lyric lamenting the gathering of talents in Macau, stirring thoughts and preserving elegance, expressing hopes for academic inheritance and a new chapter in the future. Professor Zhang Jian echoed the opening remarks, encouraging young scholars to contemplate universal academic principles and take on the future of Chinese scholarship. We look forward to future “Su-Kong-Macau” forums on ancient literature and culture, working together to create new chapters in classical literary research.

 

 

 

 

Tea Aroma and Ink Charm Shine Together — The Centre for Chinese History and Culture organizes the “Ink Rhymes of Hou Kong Macao Sketching Works Exhibition” to celebrates International Tea Day at Mandarin House

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To celebrate International Tea Day on May 21 and promote local cultural heritage, the Macao Tea Art Professionals Association held an International Tea Culture Carnival at Mandarin House, themed “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Macao.” The event used tea as a medium to inherit and spread tea culture. The Centre for Chinese History and Culture participated by hosting the “Ink Rhymes of Hou Kong Macao Sketching Works Exhibition,” which is an important part of the tea culture carnival series. This exhibition combines the profound essence of tea culture with the creative inspiration of Macao artists, presenting a cross-disciplinary cultural feast to residents and tourists.

The ” Ink Rhymes of Hou Kong Macao” sketching exhibition showcased ink, watercolor, and sketch works inspired by Macao’s historical districts and natural scenery. One participating artist expressed, “This cultural feast, blending tea culture, artistic discussions, and intangible heritage preservation, showcases Macao’s unique urban landscape and cultural charm through exquisite art, presenting an artistic dialogue that transcends time and space.” Attendees noted, “Tea culture is an important carrier of Chinese tradition, and Mandarin House, as a symbol of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, is an excellent venue that connects the past and the future.”

The opening ceremony also featured performances of Portuguese folk dance, Cantonese opera, and kung fu tea, as well as workshops on “Calligraphy, Painting, and Tea Wine” and tea tasting. The Chinese History and Culture Center is committed to promoting Chinese historical culture. This collaboration with International Tea Day activities not only injects new artistic ideas into traditional tea culture but also deepens the public’s understanding of Chinese traditional culture through the historical context of Mandarin House, showcasing the charm of Macao’s diverse culture.

UM Centre for Chinese History and Culture Visits Escola Estrela do Mar

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As one of the inaugural member institutions of the Chinese History and Culture Promotion Base, Escola Estrela do Mar has maintained a close and productive partnership with the University of Macau (UM) Centre for Chinese History and Culture. To further strengthen collaboration and explore future initiatives, Dr. Cheang Neng Ian, Deputy Director of the UM Centre, led a delegation to Escola Estrela do Mar on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, 2025. The delegation included Principal Administrative Officer Ms. Kuan Sio In, Administrative Officer Mr. Wong Keng Mang, and Administrative staff Ms. Tong Ho Kei.

During the meeting, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on cultural event planning, teacher professional development, and student experiential education. Principal Kolbe Vong of Escola Estrela do Mar proposed co-organizing a “Chinese Culture Day” with the Centre, aiming to integrate more classical Chinese cultural elements and deepen students’ understanding of traditional heritage. Noting challenges in funding and venue logistics, he called for resource integration to advance the project. Principal Vong also emphasized enhancing teacher expertise, suggesting specialized training programs and requesting the Centre’s support in developing history and culture curricula to strengthen pedagogical capacity.

Dr. Cheang Neng Ian invited Escola Estrela do Mar to participate in the “Patriotic-themed Cultural Tours,” aligning with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to deepen patriotic education. He proposed a multi-school collaborative model to foster inter-school exchanges.

The visit has breathed new vitality into the partnership between Escola Estrela do Mar and the UM Centre for Chinese History and Culture. Both institutions jointly pledged to focus on cultural heritage preservation and educational practices, further deepening collaboration in youth cultural cultivation. They aim to collectively contribute to promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture and elevating the cultural literacy of Macao’s youth.

 

4th Cohort of Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors Inaugurated with Grand Appointment Ceremony

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On April 16, 2025, the University of Macau (UM) Centre for Chinese History and Culture hosted a grand inauguration ceremony and certificates of appointment presentation for its 4th Cohort of Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors at the Cultural Building (E34).

In his opening address, Centre Director Zhang Yan recounted the program’s founding vision, emphasizing the significance of the “Ambassador” designation: “Unlike mere messengers who relay information, Ambassadors must serve as proactive innovators and practitioners in cultural dissemination.” He expressed hopes that the platform would deepen Macao youth’s understanding of national history and local culture while showcasing the distinctive charm of Chinese civilization and Macao’s cultural heritage. Director Zhang highlighted that previous cohorts had conducted over 100 exchange activities across Macao’s universities, secondary, and primary schools, noting how “these sparks of culture now illuminate the city like a prairie fire.”

Deputy Director Cheang Neng Ian outlined the Centre’s future development plans, pledging to organize more engaging and distinctive cultural activities. He formally invited all Ambassadors to actively participate in contributing to Macao’s cultural prosperity.

Director Zhang, Deputy Director Cheang, Professor Yeung Siu Kwai, and Professor Wei Chuxiong then jointly presented appointment letters to the new Ambassadors. The leadership acknowledged the ambassadors’ dedicated efforts over the past year, recognizing their sustained participation in the Centre’s cultural exhibitions, forums, seminars, and lectures, which have significantly advanced cultural exchange within Macao society and strengthened UM’s role in preserving Chinese cultural heritage. Following the ceremony, attendees and ambassadors from both current and previous cohorts proceeded to a cultural gathering area for tea and experiential sharing.

The establishment of the 4th Cohort marks a new phase in UM’s cultural heritage initiatives. Guided by the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, the new ambassadors will uphold the philosophy of being “rooted in tradition while embracing innovation.” Using Macao as a gateway, they will engage in academic symposiums, inter-school exchanges, and Greater Bay Area collaborations to present Chinese narratives where the past and present converge.

University of Macau Centre for Chinese History and Culture Master’s Program: “Macao in Chinese History” Series of Cultural Field Trips Successfully Concluded

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In order to deepen students’ understanding of Macao’s historical and cultural heritage, the University of Macau Centre for Chinese History and Culture Master’s Program “Macao in Chinese History” organized two cultural field trips on February 16, 2025, and April 13, 2025. Led by course instructor Prof. IEONG Hoi Keng, the students visited Macao’s cultural relics, religious sites, and distinctive areas. Through on-site learning and expert explanations, they gained insight into Macao’s profound historical foundation of Macao and the inclusiveness of Chinese culture.

On February 16, 2025, the first field trip began at the A-Ma Temple. Amidst the scenic surroundings, students listened to Prof. IEONG ‘s explanations about the harmony between nature and Mazu culture. Subsequently, Mr. Wong, a tour guide from the Macau Maritime Museum（Museu Marítimo de Macau）, elaborated on the maritime history of China and Portugal in Macao. After passing by Moorish Barracks and Largo do Lilau, the group arrived at the Mandarin’s House.

In the afternoon, the students visited the Kong Tac Lam Temple, where they viewed precious ancient books and archives. At St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, Father Liu led the students on a tour of the religious texts and liturgical artifacts in the church’s treasure house, and explained the development of Catholicism in Macao. The group then engaged in a discussion with Father Fernando, the Jesuit Rector, and others.

The group also visited the Leal Senado Building to learn about the early history of Macao’s self-governance, and the Leal Senado Building Library to explore Macao’s valuable documents. The final stop of the day was the Diocesan Curia, where students interacted with the Bishop in charge of historical archives and cultural relics, and gained a deeper understanding of the diocesan archives and manuscript materials.

On April 13, 2025, The second field trip started at the Museu Lin Zexu de Macau. Students reviewed the historical deeds of the national hero Lin Zexu through joint explanations by the hall curator and Prof. IEONG. They then visited the Lin Fong Temple, Kun Iam Temple, and Kun Iam Tong, analyzing the cultural characteristics of Macao’s diverse folk beliefs through inscriptions and architectural details. Students also enjoyed a vegetarian meal at the Kun Iam Temple.

In the afternoon, representatives from Galaxy Entertainment Group introduced the company’s strategies for promoting cultural sustainability and arranged a visit to the Galaxy Art Collection exhibition. Finally, the students visited the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards to learn about the history and contemporary conservation significance of Macao’s traditional shipbuilding skills.

These two field trips broke through the boundaries of the classroom and provided practical examples for promoting historical and cultural education and the cultivation of patriotic spirit.

The Ninth Phase of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Students’ “Guangfu Culture” Workshop Concludes Successfully

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   From April 4 to 6, 2025, the ninth phase of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao students’ “Guangfu Culture” workshop was successfully held in Guangzhou, organized by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau in conjunction with Jinan University and Escola Tong Nam, with the Hung Sin-nui Arts Centre as a co-organizer. The workshop aimed to “inherit Lingnan cultural context and deepen patriotic education,” utilizing an innovative model of “themed lectures & cultural exploration” to organize 38 teachers and students for an in-depth visit to key landmarks of Guangfu culture, enhancing the youth’s understanding and inheritance of Chinese traditional culture.

       The first day’s itinerary focused on architectural art and urban culture. The workshop’s first stop was the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a “pearl of Lingnan architectural art,” where teachers and students interpreted the wisdom of Cantonese architecture through three-dimensional decorative art. Following this, a night cruise on the Pearl River provided a journey through time, allowing participants to experience the continuous civilization of the thousand-year-old commercial capital.

     The second day’s activities continued the theme of national sentiment. During the Qingming Festival, all teachers and students solemnly held a memorial ceremony at the memorial site for the soldiers who died in the 19th Route Army’s defense against Japan, gaining insights into the national spirit through the interpretation of wartime artifacts. At the Hung Sin-nui Arts Centre, participants engaged in lectures and studied the history of Cantonese opera development through precious video materials, also practicing Cantonese opera singing and paying tribute with flowers to the founder of “Hongpai Art.”

On the final day, discussions revolved around the innovation of traditional culture. Professor Sun Enle from Guangdong University of Technology explained the contemporary transformation of Lingnan arts and crafts culture through the making of horse-face skirts. During the closing ceremony, a student representative expressed that “the three-day cultural exploration journey has deepened our understanding of cultural heritage under ‘one country, two systems.'” The workshop concluded with a visit to the former site of the Peasant Movement Training Institute, completing a dual enhancement of theory and practice at a red education base.

       The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau serves as an important platform for the study and practice of Chinese historical culture in the Hong Kong and Macao regions, continually committed to promoting cultural identity education among Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao youth. This workshop integrated three major modules: cultural exploration, intangible heritage learning, and red education, effectively combining theoretical learning with social practice, guiding students to comprehend the continuity of Chinese civilization within tangible cultural contexts. It aims to provide solid support for Macao’s educational practice of “cultivating people through culture and educating through history,” helping the youth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area deepen their national sentiment and strengthen the foundation of cultural confidence in Chinese culture.

Retracing the Red Journey of the Dongjiang Column: Building a Monument of Patriotism Together

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In commemoration of history and in remembrance of our heroic martyrs, to inherit and promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and patriotism, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the 26th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, the “Retracing the Footsteps of the Dongjiang Column: Macao Education Leaders’ Visiting and Exchange Delegation” was held from April 12 to 14. The event was jointly organized by the General Association of Macau Guangzhou Associations, the San Mei Natives General Association of Macau, the Association of Hoi Luk Fung, the Association of Huizhou Macau, the Macao Chong San Association, and the Macau Education and Youth Development Bureau. The delegation visited four places in Guangdong Province—Zhongshan, Shantou, Huizhou, and Guangzhou—to revisit the history of the Dongjiang Column and deepen patriotic education. More than 40 leaders from the Macao education sector, including Prof. Zhang Yan, director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau（UM）, participated in this meaningful visit and exchange activity.

On the morning of the 12th, the visiting and exchange delegation held a solemn inauguration ceremony in Zhongshan. Subsequently, the delegation visited the Gu Family Ancestral Hall, the Yang Yin’s Former Residence, and the Yang Yin Martyr Memorial Exhibition. At Yang Yin’s Former Residence, through precious cultural relics, vivid pictures, and detailed information, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of Yang Yin’s life dedicated to the revolutionary cause and deeply felt his firm belief and selfless dedication.

In the afternoon of the 12th, the delegation moved from Zhongshan to Shantou. At TongLuoZhai Village and the former site of the CPC Hailufeng Central County Committee (Qinyuan), they paid homage to the red cultural relics and listened to heroic stories. Local guides vividly narrated the combat history and revolutionary deeds of the Dongjiang Column in the Shantou area, allowing the members of the delegation to feel as if they had traveled back in time to the war-torn era. They profoundly realized that this red land of Shantou has nurtured countless heroes who made significant contributions to the victory of the Chinese revolution.

On the morning of the 13th, the delegation continued their journey in Shantou, heading to Haifeng County to visit the Red Palace Memorial Museum. Haifeng is the birthplace of China’s first Soviet regime. Peng Pai, a pioneer of the Chinese peasant movement and one of the early important leaders of the Communist Party of China, was called the “King of Peasant Movement” by Mao Zedong. This was the revolutionary venue where Peng Pai and other Communists led the people of Hailufeng to establish the first Soviet regime. With a reverent heart, the delegation members delved into the history of the Chinese peasant movement and the revolutionary deeds of Martyr Peng Pai.

At noon on the 13th, the delegation moved from Shantou to Huizhou, visiting the former site of the Dongjiang Column Command Department and the Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall in Boluo County. At the former site of the Dongjiang Column Command Department, it seemed as if they could see the commanders of the Dongjiang Column planning and directing battles. The memorial hall, with its rich exhibits and detailed historical materials, comprehensively displayed the development process and brilliant achievements of the Dongjiang Column. Through the visit, the delegation members gained a deeper understanding of the history of the Dongjiang Column, further enhancing their national pride and sense of responsibility.

In the evening of the 13th, the delegation arrived in Guangzhou and held a sharing session at Taoranxuan on Ersha Island. The event invited Ms. Peng Yina, granddaughter of Martyr Peng Pai, to give a themed speech. She spoke on “Devoted to the Country’s Woes—The Patriotism and Family Tradition of Peng Pai,” recounting the touching story of how Peng Pai, despite his wealthy background, was deeply concerned about the country’s peril and the people’s suffering. He gave up his family fortune to join the revolution and sacrificed his life for the ideal of saving the country. She also shared the story of her family member, Academician Peng Shilu, who dedicated himself to China’s nuclear submarine industry. She called on the younger generation of Macao to remember their original aspirations and continue to contribute to the prosperity and development of Macao and the country.

This “Retracing the Footsteps of the Dongjiang Column: Macao Education Leaders’ Visiting and Exchange Delegation” activity was not only a red journey but also a heritage of spirit. Through on-site visits, listening to explanations, and sharing experiences, the delegation profoundly understood the connotation and value of the Dongjiang Column spirit, further strengthening the cultural exchange and emotional connection between Macao and the mainland. In the days to come, this red spirit will take root in the education sector of Macao. The CCHC of the UM will continue to promote the revolutionary spirit, inspiring more Macao youth to strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the realization of the Chinese Dream.