Recently, a social practice activity titled “The Motor City on the Black Soil” was held by the School of International Exchange, JISU. This marked the third event in the “Perceiving China -- Changchun Tour” series. Over 50 international students from countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Laos, Slovakia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan visited the FAW Hongqi Exhibition Hall, Yuedong Steel Structure Engineering Company, Jilin OLED Material Tech Company, and Lintian Yuanda Group. They experienced the development of China’s automotive industry and the unique culture of Jilin provincial capital, Changchun, known as the “Motor City.”

Li Dan, a 2021 undergraduate student majoring in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages(TCSOL) at the School of International Communication, provided a detailed explanation of Changchun’s automotive industry development. Her presentation offered the international students comprehensive background knowledge, enriching their on-site visit experience.

At the FAW Hongqi Exhibition Hall, the international students witnessed the history and future of FAW Hongqi, experienced the glorious years of the brand and paid their highest respects to the spirit of “Hongqi.”

At Yuedong Steel Structure Engineering Company, the international students learned about the steel stories behind international landmarks. They entered the workshop to observe the steel smelting process up close and expressed their heartfelt admiration for the craftsmanship of Chinese workers.

At Jilin OLED Material Tech Company, the international students witnessed the precision of high-definition LCD TVs and the vibrancy of smartphone screens firsthand. They also experienced smart glasses, immersing themselves in the allure of technology. Chen Han, a student from Laos, remarked that it felt like he caught a glimpse of the future world of technology through the smart glasses. “Advanced optoelectronic products help us better experience life.” he said.

At Lintian Yuanda Group—an aviation science education and practice base—the international students, guided by the docents, immersed themselves in the world of automotive logos and delved deeper into every detail of aircraft manufacturing. They experienced the unique missions carried by each type of aircraft. The activity sparked enthusiastic responses from the international students. Many expressed that it was not just a social practice activity but also a magical journey. Through firsthand experiences, they gained a profound understanding of the development of Changchun’s automotive and aviation industries, and their affection for this “Motor City on the Black Soil” grew even stronger!

Jilin International Studies University Official Website