On August 19, the Cohort 2023 students of Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) participated in the "Freshmen City Walk in Shantou Activity" as the inaugural group. Students, faculty members and staff representatives explore the city on foot, visited Shantou landmarks, learned about the city's history and culture, admired the coastal scenery, and enjoyed the local delicacies. As a warm "greeting gift" extended from Shantou, the activity aims to help "new residents of Shantou" gain a deeper understanding of the city, integrate into its community and fall in love with it.

The one-day tour offers two routes. Route 1 included Xiaogongyuan, Zhenbang Street, Mazu Palace, Queshi Mount and Chaoshan Museum. 

GTIIT teachers and students strolled among these unique scenic spots and experienced the city's inclusive, fashionable and vibrant characteristics.

Students were amazed by Shantou's natural landscape and cultural heritage during the trip. Tan Chengfei, a freshman, said that this was his first tour in Shantou. "In the intangible cultural experience activities, foreign teachers and non-local students have a deep understanding about Chaoshan culture through tasting Gongfu tea, learning about tea art and paper-cutting. We also build a closer friendship with each other!"

Route 2 took the participants to the Nan'ao Island, including notable destinations like Qihang Square and Haisi Square, where the windmill, sea, and reefs could be seen. 

"Nan'ao is so beautiful! It fulfills all my imagination of the sea!" The students held up their mobile phones and cameras, capturing pictures to record the summer island scenery with sea and sky.

Following the city exploration, a special welcome ceremony awaited the teachers and students. Intangible heritage food inheritors demonstrated their skills and explained Chaoshan food culture, attracting students to experience the production of handmade kueh, hand-hammers beef meatballs, fried oysters and fish balls. "The workmanship behind Chaoshan kueh is so exquisite! It also conveys the best wishes," Yang Yahan, a freshman, said with surprise.

Li Zhao, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal People's Government, said at the welcome ceremony that he hoped the event had provided new students from all over the country with an initial glimpse into Shantou's history, culture and natural scenery, as well as the city's openness through today's immersive experiences.

Li Zhao, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal People's Government

Chen Yongshuang, Director of Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports of Shantou Municipality speeched on the ceremony

Yigal Cohen, Pro-Vice Chancellor & Director General of GTIIT said, "We all had a perfect tour and I'm sure GTIIT freshmen and faculty are all impressed by the warmth and charm of this city. More charms are waiting for you to explore in the following years. I hope you enjoy your unique experience at GTIIT, enjoy your life in Shantou."

Yigal Cohen, Pro-Vice Chancellor & Director General of GTIIT 

Ye Guodong, freshmen representative speeched on the ceremony

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, event organizer