My Experiences in China

我在中国的经历

My picture standing in 骑楼老街, a street with more than 100 years of history

我的照片：我站在有 100 多年历史的骑楼老街上

I had the privilege of traveling to China to attend the prestigious Chinese Bridge Program (Summer Camp) from the 12th to the 26th of April 2025, courtesy of Hainan University. It was an enriching experience that left an indelible mark on my understanding of Chinese culture, history, and development. The trip was not only educational but also a celebration of the bonds that unite us across borders and cultures.  

2025 年 4 月 12 日至 26 日，我荣幸地参与了由海南大学提供的“汉语桥”夏令营项目，在中国度过了难忘的两周时光。这是一段意义非凡的经历，不仅加深了我对中国文化、历史脉络和发展成就的理解，也在我心中留下了深刻的印记。它不仅具有深远的教育意义，更是一次跨越国界、连接不同文化的美好见证。

The program began with a series of engaging lectures that offered a deep dive into China’s rich history. Each session was meticulously curated, presenting a tapestry of stories that shaped the country into what it is today. Learning about ancient dynasties, revolutionary movements, and the modern era gave me profound insights into China's resilience and progress. 

活动以一系列引人入胜的深入探讨中国丰富历史的讲座开始。精妙编排的讲座，生动呈现了塑造今日中国的历史脉络。通过了解古代王朝、革命运动和现代社会，我深切体会到了中国文明的韧性与蓬勃的进步力量。

We had a lecture on calligraphy which was quite interesting. With a brush in hand, we attempted to master the art that has been practiced for thousands of years.

我们参加了一场关于书法的讲座，非常有趣。我们手握毛笔，试着走进这门已有数千年历史的艺术。

It wasn’t just about the strokes and characters, it was about connecting to a timeless tradition. 

这不仅关乎笔画和汉字，还与源远流长的传统密切相关。

We also had a lecture on China's development in which we explored some of the secrets for China’s Development. We delved into topics ranging from technological advancements to economic strategies that have positioned China as a global leader. In line with this lecture, we visited China’s Free Trade Economic Port in Haikou, the Jiangdong New Area. Below is the interior of the Jiangdong New Area which is aimed at boosting China’s trade by connecting China to Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

我们还参加了关于中国发展的讲座，深入探讨了中国发展的一些成功经验，主题涵盖了从技术进步到推动中国成为全球经济领导者的战略途径。为了深化对讲座内容的理解，我们参观了位于海口的中国自由贸易港——江东新区。下图是江东新区的内部结构，其目标是通过打造连接中国与东南亚乃至更广泛亚太地区的枢纽，进一步促进中国的对外贸易。

The discussions at Jiangdong New Area broadened my perspective on development and left me reflecting on how free trade infrastructural development could be applied in Zimbabwe to boost its trade levels.

在江东新区的讨论拓宽了我的发展视野，让我思考如何在津巴布韦应用自由贸易基础设施建设来提高贸易水平。

One of the highlights of technological advancements was our visit to the Wenchang International Aerospace City, a hub of cutting-edge technology and a testament to China's advancements in the aerospace sector. Below is a demonstration of China’s Aerospace equipment at Wenchang International Aerospace City.

本次行程的技术亮点当属参观文昌国际航天城，这是一个汇聚尖端科技的中心，生动展现了中国航天事业的卓越成就。下图展示的是文昌国际航天城的中国航天设备。

Standing before cutting-edge technology and learning about China’s strides in space exploration filled me with admiration. 

站在尖端技术面前，了解中国在太空探索方面取得的长足进步，让我充满钦佩之情。

We also toured the China Museum of South China Sea and the Hainan Museum, where we marveled at artifacts and exhibits that highlighted the region's diverse culture and history. Below are pictures of exhibits at China Museum of South China Sea.

我们还参观了中国（海南）南海博物馆和海南省博物馆，馆内陈列的珍贵文物与特色展品生动展现了该地区多元交融的文化底蕴与历史脉络，令全体成员叹为观止。下图是中国（海南）南海博物馆的展品。

These visits were windows into the soul of China, revealing its dedication to preserving heritage while embracing the future.

这些文化参访是一扇了解中华文明灵魂的窗口，揭示了中国在拥抱未来的同时保护文化遗产的决心。

We also did a practical lecture on Ceramic Culture in which we explored the rich history of ceramics, marveling at the craftsmanship of ancient artisans. We also had an opportunity to practice pottery making as shown in the image below: 

我们还参加了“陶瓷文化 ”实践讲座，探索了陶瓷的悠久历史。古代工匠的精湛技艺令人赞叹不已。如下图所示，我们也亲自体验了陶器制作的过程。

From this lecture, I noticed that traditions really influence modern pottery and art. It is interesting how the Artisans and Craftsmen in China are still earning a living from ceramic culture.

从这次讲座中，我注意到传统确实影响着现代陶艺和艺术。有趣的是，时至今日，中国仍有一部分工匠和手艺人以陶瓷文化为生。

We also visited the rural areas of Wanning which was truly an eye-opening experience. It was fascinating to see how the local community has built their livelihoods around growing Coconuts (椰子). The lush coconut plantations stretched as far as the eye could see. Displayed underneath is an image of the vast coconut plantations in Wannin.

我们还参观了万宁的乡村，这里真的是让我大开眼界。我们了解了当地的村庄如何以种植椰子为生。这些椰树令人目不暇接、郁郁葱葱的椰子种植园绵延不绝。下图展示的是万宁大片椰子种植园。

The rural areas of Wanning offer a compelling example of how local communities thrive through sustainable agriculture, coconut (椰子) farming forming the backbone of their livelihoods. These endeavors not only sustain families but also preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to China’s national economy.

万宁乡村提供了一个极具说服力的范例，展现了当地社区如何通过可持续农业项目实现蓬勃发展，而椰子种植是其产业支柱。这些努力不仅维持了家庭的生计，还保护了文化遗产，并为中国的国民经济做出了贡献。

Wanning rural areas also offered me a vivid picture of what environmental consciousness looks like in practice. The sheer cleanliness of the surroundings reflected a collective respect for nature and a commitment to sustainability. What struck me even more was the presence of a banner promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as shown in the picture below：

万宁乡村也向我生动地展示了环保理念在实践中的应用。周围环境的整洁反映了人们对自然的共同尊重和对可持续发展的承诺。更让我印象深刻的是宣传可持续发展目标（SDGs）的横幅，如下图所示：

It was a reminder that sustainability isn’t just a distant global concept, it's something actively embraced at the grassroots level. Seeing these efforts firsthand reinforced my belief that rural livelihoods and environmental responsibility are deeply intertwined.

这提醒我们，可持续发展并不只是一个遥远的全球概念，它是基层民众积极拥护的事情。亲眼目睹这些努力让我更加坚信，农村发展和环境责任紧密相连。

My trip to China also served as a bridge to connect with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It offered me an opportunity to connect with people from countries such as Cambodia, Afghanistan, Russia, Vietnam as well as China itself. 

本次中国之行也搭建起了一座跨越文明的友谊桥梁。它让我有机会与来自柬埔寨、阿富汗、俄罗斯、越南以及中国等国家的人建立联系。

These connections underscore the power of international collaboration, showing that by embracing cultural exchange, we truly build a world where mutual respect and unity thrive.

这些联系彰显了国际合作的力量，向我们表明，通过文化交流，我们真正建立了一个相互尊重、团结繁荣的世界。

Engaging in sports during my trip to China brought a unique and dynamic dimension to cultural exchange. Although I forgot to take my full sports kit with me to Hainan, this small oversight did less to sink my enjoyment. We were also taught how to play Table Tennis (乒乓球) for the first time as shown in the image below.

在这次中国之行中，参与体育运动为我们的文化交流注入了独特的活力。虽然我忘了带全套运动装备来海南，但这个小小的疏忽并没有影响我的兴致。我们第一次学会了打乒乓球，如下图所示。

Playing table tennis was an exciting and memorable experience. Although we joined a group of locals whom we were not familiar with, the atmosphere was warm and inviting and despite being beginners, we were welcomed with smiles and encouragement.

打乒乓球是一次令人兴奋和难忘的经历。虽然我们彼此不熟悉，但现场气氛热烈。尽管是初学者，我们仍然却收到了微笑和鼓励。

Beyond the planned itinerary, the mutual friendship that we developed with other students made the experience unforgettable. We ate meals together with students from other countries and discovered new food and fruits such as the steamed buns (馒头), cellophane noodles （粉丝), dumplings (饺子)，dragon fruit (火龙果) and hami melon (哈密瓜). Below is a picture of a typical Breakfast at Hainan University Hotel.

除了计划中的行程，我们与其他学生建立的友谊也让这次经历令人难忘。我们与来自其他国家的学生一起用餐，体验新奇的食物和水果，如馒头、粉丝、饺子、火龙果和哈密瓜。下图是海南大学酒店的经典早餐。

I used to hear people saying Chinese food is so delicious, I’m glad I had a chance to try it. This compels me to say 对我来说，中国菜很好吃啊. 

以前常听人赞叹中国菜太美味了！我很高兴能有机会亲身体验，这让我终于有机会发自内心地说出这句话：“对我来说，中国菜很好吃啊。”

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Chinese Bridge Program not only enriched my academic understanding but also nurtured my appreciation for cultural exchange. It was a reminder that while our languages and traditions may differ, our aspirations and dreams are universal.  

回顾我的学习历程，我对这个千载难逢的机会充满了感激之情。“汉语桥”项目不仅丰富了我的学术理解，还培养了我对文化交流的欣赏。它提醒我，虽然我们的语言和传统可能不同，但我们的愿望和梦想却是一致的。

This experience has profoundly motivated me to continue learning and to share the invaluable knowledge I’ve gained with others back home. It is my hope that the lessons from this journey will not only inspire action and innovation within our communities but also strengthen the growing partnership between Zimbabwe and China. Our two nations, bound by a shared vision for development and collaboration, offer a compelling example of what can be achieved through mutual understanding and cultural exchange. 

这段经历深深地激励着我继续学习，并与家乡人分享我所获得的宝贵知识。我希望从这次旅程中汲取的经验不仅能激励我们社区内的行动和创新，还能加强津巴布韦和中国之间不断发展的伙伴关系。我们两国因共同的发展与合作愿景而结缘，为通过相互理解和文化交流所能取得的成就提供了令人信服的范例。

As I reflect on the two weeks I spent in Hainan, it felt like two days, leaving me with a concrete desire to return and delve deeper into the richness of China’s culture and opportunities. 

回想我在海南度过的两周时间，感觉就像两天一样，让我产生了一种具体的愿望，那就是回到中国，更深入地了解中国丰富的文化和机遇。

作者｜kudakwashe Makoni （马可尼）

翻译｜韩亚丹

编辑｜毛仪婷

审核｜李丽琴 Shoko