In early April, 17 participants - two young local professionals and 15 University of Nottingham (UoN) students representing eight nationalities - embarked for an unforgettable Spring Camp to China. Over 12 days, the group explored the cities of Shanghai, Ningbo and Xi’an, immersing themselves in Mandarin language, culture, and history.
Highlights of the Trip
Academic and Cultural Exchange at Fudan University: participants attended tailored Mandarin and culture-themed lessons focussed on topics such as Chinese cooking and Dragon and Lion Dance Tai Chi.
Ningbo Campus Visit: the group had the privilege of visiting the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), where they engaged in a brush painting workshop with nationally renowned first-class artist Li Qingyu, creating their own traditional artworks.
Cultural Exploration: the group visited iconic landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, the Bund in Shanghai, the historic Tianyi Pavilion (the oldest library in Asia), the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and the ancient Xi’an City Wall.
Culinary Delights: From street food to banquets, participants savoured authentic Chinese cuisine, with many declaring it a highlight of their experience.
Capturing the Journey
Each participant took turns creating daily vlogs, sharing their adventures and reflections. These were posted on our Instagram and can be viewed here .
A summary video can also be viewed here.
Gratitude to Our Partners
This trip would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners:
A heartfelt thank you to Fudan University Confucius Institute Office for their dedication and meticulous efforts in ensuring the trip ran smoothly like clockwork.
A special thanks to the Ningbo Campus Knowledge Exchange team, Confucius Institute Branch and Ningbo Municiple Foreign Affairs Office for making our time in Ningbo truly memorable.
Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback
Participants described the trip as "eye-opening" and "transformative." One student said: "like many westerners, I was a bit fearful and didn’t know what to expect before coming to China, but I now know China is a modern place with all the comforts and full of kind, warm-hearted people." Many wished the trip could have been longer!
Looking Ahead: Spring Camp 2026
Launched in 2024, the Spring Camp to China is set to become an annual programme for UoN and NCI Mandarin students. The next trip will run from 11–23 April 2026, with applications now open until 25 July 2025.
Interested? To register your interest or find out more here. Don’t miss this chance to explore China, deepen your language skills, and create lifelong memories.
