EdUHK Ningxia Chinese Culture Internship Programme Achieves Complete Success: Nurturing Future Educators through Education Workplace Experience and Northwest Cultural Exploration

EdUHK Ningxia Chinese Culture Internship Programme Achieves Complete
Success: Nurturing Future Educators through Education Workplace Experience and Northwest Cultural Exploration

This year, the Centre for Language Education secured funding under the “Mainland Internship Scheme” from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government to launch the “Stepping onto Helan Mountains — 2026 Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Chinese Culture Workplace Experience Internship Programme.” In response to the HKSAR Government’s policy direction of nurturing Hong Kong youth with a national perspective, the programme adopted a dual-track model combining workplace internship and cultural study. Led by Centre lecturer, 20 students traveled to Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, to undergo workplace practice from. The initiative aimed to promote cross-regional educational and cultural exchanges, guide students to experience the nation's educational development firsthand, strengthen their sense of cultural and national identity, and cultivate a new generation of educators with an international vision and solid cultural roots.

Held from 30 May to 30 June 2026, the internship programme was hosted by two primary partner institutions: Xiaoshusheng Calligraphy Master and the Yinchuan Youth Palace. At Xiaoshusheng Calligraphy Master, students served as Chinese culture instructors, utilizing AI-assisted teaching systems to teach traditional Chinese calligraphy. This blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional sinology significantly enhanced the students' technological pedagogical skills. At the Yinchuan Youth Palace, students joined various teaching departments to deliver courses in Cantonese, English, Arts, STEM and Sports. 

During their placement at the Yinchuan Youth Palace, Cantonese-teaching interns collaborated with local students to stage the performance “Fragrant River Meets the Yellow River Moon — Youth Shared through Cantonese Melody.” A promotional short film of the event was featured on the Youth Palace’s official WeChat channel, allowing local youth to appreciate the charm of Cantonese culture. Meanwhile, art interns hosted classes dedicated to Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, achieving a dynamic, two-way cultural exchange. Reflecting on the journey, one participating student shared, “The programme allowed me to gain deep insights into Mainland teaching models and deeply realize a teacher’s responsibilities and mission. It provided me with invaluable practical experience and insights for my future teaching career.”

Beyond hands-on teaching practice, students also extended their learning into the academic and cultural spheres. Courtesy of the Global Office at Ningxia University, students visited the Chinese Nation Community Education Base to gain deeper insights into the historical perspective of the “Five Commonalities.” They also toured the university’s archaeology laboratories to learn about the specialized processes behind artifact restoration and preservation. During the visit, they engaged in warm exchanges with local university students, sharing their academic and daily life experiences to foster lasting friendships.

Also, students visited several famous historical and cultural landmarks across Ningxia. They explored the Western Xia mausoleums (World Heritage List), inspected Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains dating back thousands of years, admired historical relics at the Ningxia Museum, and visited Shapotou along the edge of the Tengger Desert to experience its dramatic landscape. These field trips provided a breathtaking experience, giving students a comprehensive appreciation for the history and rich cultural tapestry of Northwest China.

In summary, the programme immersed students in the language and cultural environment of China, giving them a firsthand look at the dynamic potential of the education sector. It not only broadened their national horizon and supported their personal growth, but also equipped them with highly competitive, cross-regional teaching experience for their future careers in education.

EdUHK students pose for a group photo with representatives from the Yinchuan Youth Palace and  Xiaoshusheng Calligraphy Master at the welcome ceremony

Staff from the Global Office at Ningxia University and EdUHK student participants gather for a group photo in front of the Administration Building.

EdUHK interns and local youth perform together in a vibrant Cantonese cultural showcase

EdUHK students visiting the historic Western Xia mausoleums.