From January 29 to February 1, 2026, 11 CUMT students and faculty journeyed to Shenzhen as part of the “Han Style New Year” Spring Festival series, immersing themselves in China’s reform frontier while experiencing the festive atmosphere.
Exploring Tech Frontiers
Shenzhen, a city that never stops innovating, became the ultimate classroom for CUMTers! The group visited BYD, exploring research and development (R&D) and production lines to understand China’s breakthroughs in new energy vehicles. Oumar from Burkina Faso shared: “I truly felt Shenzhen’s development model driven by talent and innovation”.
The delegation also visited Dayijiang Technology and the CUMT Shenzhen Research Institute, exploring smart medical devices and research in green mining. Ye Yu from Myanmar noted: “Seeing our institute's achievements showed us the speed of China's technological development”.
Walking Through Reform Landmarks
The city's story unfolded beyond labs. At the Huaqiangbei (HBQ) Museum, students traced HBQ’s transformation into “China’s First Electronics Street”. Judith from Côte d’Ivoire remarked: “This museum embodies Shenzhen’s innovative spirit”.
At the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, students visited the “Tide Rises in the Pearl River” exhibition marking 40 years of reform. Mando from Niger, who has lived in China for seven years, shared: “I saw not just exhibits, but the source of the ‘China Speed’ I’ve experienced”.
Where Innovation Meets People
The journey concluded at Shenzhen Talent Park, the nation's first park named after “talent”. Students reflected on inscriptions like “Innovation is essentially driven by talent”. Kael from Morocco observed: “A city’s progress relies on both talent and innovation”.
Blending festive exchange with on-the-ground learning, this trip invited students to experience China’s development by walking through one of its most dynamic cities—broadening their understanding of contemporary China while strengthening their bond with CUMT.
