To the Spring and Autumn of Beijing: My Exchange Time at Beijing Normal University

When I first arrived at Beijing Normal University, what impressed me the most was the academic atmosphere here. It felt like being back in Form Six. Whether it was student reading late into night at the library or teachers and students engaging in lively academic discussions during classes, everything reignited my awe of and yearning for knowledge. On this campus with its profound cultural heritage, I learned that scholarship is not just about general talk, but about in-depth research and the rigorous pursuit of truth.

During my free time, I often ventured beyond the school gates on weekends. Beijing itself is a vast treasure trove. I loved lingering among the red walls and golden tiles of the Forbidden City and experiencing the local customs and traditions in Beijing's hutongs. More importantly, I met a group of like-minded friends and witnessed diverse and wonderful ways of living forms in each other.

This journey was not only a geographical expedition northward, but also an academic and spiritual journey to discover my roots. It enabled me not only to see a broader world and step out of my comfort zone, but also helped me understand more clearly the kind of person I wanted to be.

Lai Yuling

BA (Hons) in Language Studies Year 2 student