Recently, the 2026 International Summer School of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, themed Green Energy for a Zero-Carbon Future, has been in full swing at the China-EU Institute for Clean and Renewable Energy (ICARE). Hosted by ICARE, the programme has attracted nearly 50 Chinese and international students from China, Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and other countries. Combining cutting-edge academic lectures, visits to key laboratories, field visits to leading smart-manufacturing enterprises and immersive experiences of traditional Chinese culture, the summer school focuses on technological breakthroughs and development trends in China’s clean-energy sector. It aims to broaden participants’ international perspectives in new-energy fields and build a bridge for multicultural exchange.
Complementary cultural workshops were specially arranged for the summer school, including Chinese classical music appreciation, martial arts experiences, Chinese pastry-making and tea-art sessions. These immersive activities not only enriched participants’ cultural understanding, but also played an important role in promoting mutual learning among civilizations, inspiring innovative thinking and disseminating green and low-carbon concepts.
On the afternoon of July 2, participants visited the History Museum of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The participants first proceeded to the campus model exhibition area. Gathered around the model, they exchanged ideas while observing the campus layout, landmark buildings and distribution of disciplinary platforms up close. Drawing on the model, the docent introduced the university’s coordinated multi campus development, interdisciplinary integration, as well as its open and inclusive campus environment. For international participants new to HUST, this exhibition helped them form a holistic impression of the university, allowing them to intuitively appreciate the unique charm of campus culture and academic atmosphere through the spatial context.
Following that, guided by the chronological development of the university, the docent led the participants through successive historical displays. From the arduous founding years, to the leap forward growth since China’s reform and opening, and to disciplinary development targeting global scientific frontiers and major national strategic needs, abundant historical photographs, precious documents, physical exhibits and multimedia presentations retold HUST’s striving journey rooted in China and committed to national development.
During the tour, participants gained insight into HUST and Chinese higher education institutions. Exchanges and interactions deepened their understanding of China’s education, science, technology and culture. This activity added a strong humanistic dimension to the subsequent green-energy-themed courses and practical sessions, while further promoting communication among Chinese and international young people through academic and cultural exchange.
On the morning of July 3, a Chinese-language course officially began in Room S311 of the Clean Energy Building. Ms. Li Li, a member of ICARE staff, served as the instructor. Dr. Zou Mingqing, Vice Dean of ICARE, Professor Cheng Bangxiong from the School of Humanities, international faculty members, and all summer school participants attended the class.
Centered on the millennium-long evolution of Chinese characters, Ms. Li Li systematically illustrated the complete developmental sequence from oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions to seal script, running script, cursive script and regular script. She also elaborated on the principles and historical origins of the Six Writing Methods (Liushu). From the mysterious and primitive oracle bone symbols to the neat, dignified regular script forms, a timeless cultural scroll unfolded before the audience. Guided by the instructor, the students immersed themselves in the profound heritage of Chinese civilization by tracing each stroke and exploring the form and meaning of characters.
To boost engagement, an interactive game was specially designed for the session. Ms. Li invited international students from Italy, Greece and other countries to sort cards representing the evolutionary stages of Chinese characters. The participants took an active part, gaining a deeper understanding of the logic behind the evolution of Chinese characters through hands-on practice.
After the course, overseas students expressed their admiration for the long-standing and profound Chinese writing system. The course not only improved their Chinese proficiency, but also allowed them to appreciate the enduring charm of traditional Chinese culture.
On the afternoon of July 4, an immersive Han Opera cultural experience was held at ICARE, enabling participants from various countries to experience at close range the distinctive charm of traditional Han Opera. The event featured Ms. Zhu Min, a National First Class Actress from the Han Opera Troupe of Hubei Opera and Dance Drama Theatre, who delivered a special session on Han Opera. Dr. Gao Shan, Vice Dean of the School of Art, Dr. Zou Mingqing, Vice Dean of ICARE, and all international summer school participants took part in the activity.
During the session, Ms. Zhu Min performed excerpts from classic Han Opera works including The Cosmic Sword and The Second Plum-Blossom. Every gesture revealed consummate performing skills. Melodious vocal delivery and graceful physical movements fully embodied the four core performing techniques of Chinese opera: singing, recitation, acting and acrobatics. With flowing water sleeves, gentle steps and subtle eye expressions, overseas learners gained an intuitive understanding of the Han Opera performing system and deeply appreciated the artistic heritage of traditional Chinese opera.
A make-up and costume experience was also arranged on-site. Two participants were randomly selected by professional make-up artists to try classical opera make-up and traditional costumes. During the interactive session, participants eagerly put on exquisite operatic robes, learned basic opera postures under the guidance of the professional actress, and happily posed for group photos to capture this unforgettable encounter with China’s traditional opera art.
On the afternoon of July 5, a tea culture experience activity was held at the“Energy Café”, with all summer school participants in attendance.
At the opening of the session, tea artisan Ms. Ma Yongzhen gave a presentation covering the historical evolution of tea culture and the origins of tea leaves. She systematically introduced the health benefits and standard brewing techniques for the six major categories of Chinese tea. The participants showed great enthusiasm, listening attentively and raising questions actively for interaction.
Following the lecture, three tea artisans demonstrated the full brewing procedures for white tea, oolong tea and dark tea one after another, while elaborating on the proper use of tea tasting utensils. The participants observed carefully and volunteered to have a go, gaining an appreciation of the unique essence of traditional Chinese tea art.
Towards the end of the activity, tea artisan introduced a variety of innovative tea drinks of the new era and arranged a tasting session. The diverse tea infusions won unanimous praise from all present.
On the afternoon of July 10, a vibrant traditional Chinese martial arts experience took place on the basement floor of the Optics Valley Natatorium. Ms. Zhou Jiamin, an outstanding young athlete from the School of Physical Education, was invited as the instructor to provide immersive training in traditional martial arts for the international participants.
At the venue, Ms. Zhou Jiamin broke down fundamental routines of Changquan (Long Fist Boxing) and Tai Chi in detail. Through standard demonstrations and step-by-step explanations, she guided the participants in correcting their postures and mastering the key principles of force generation. Fully engaged in the practice, the students imitated each movement earnestly. During group drills, they showed creative flair by performing martial arts forms in unique formations, demonstrating lively ingenuity and enthusiasm for learning.
Set against gentle and elegant music, all participants then practiced Tai Chi under the instructor’s guidance. They gained a first-hand understanding of the core philosophy behind traditional Chinese wellness culture: regulating breathing and circulation while cultivating physical and mental well-being. Many participants shared that they had long admired Chinese martial arts. They found the experience highly rewarding, particularly appreciating Tai Chi’s practical benefits for calming the mind and relieving fatigue after long hours of desk work, and expressed their intention to continue practicing in the future.
On the afternoon of July 11, the Chinese Cuisine Making Experience was held at Donghuayuan. Under the guidance of professional chefs, participants immersed themselves in Chinese culinary culture.
The activity consisted of four sessions: cultural introduction, cooking demonstration, group-based preparation and tasting. A short video was first shown to illustrate the history and cultural symbolism of dumplings. The head chef then demonstrated the full process and techniques for kneading dough, rolling wrappers and folding dumplings.
Three fillings were prepared on-site: spinach with vermicelli, corn and shrimp, as well as beef. Participants divided themselves into groups and made dumplings under the chefs’instructions. They created distinctive international style dumplings in varied shapes such as ingot shaped and crimped edge patterns.
The freshly boiled dumplings gave off an inviting aroma, and everyone enjoyed the food together. The event had a warm and lively atmosphere. Chinese and international teachers and students exchanged aspects of traditional culture through the shared experience of food.
On July 12, participants took on a hands-on technical challenge: the disassembly and assembly of an industrial six-axis robotic arm. Guided by professional engineers from the Engineering Practice and Innovation Center of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, the participants gained direct access to the core components of the industrial robotic arm and completed the disassembly and reassembly themselves. Through hard work and teamwork, their enthusiasm for smart manufacturing was strengthened.
At the beginning of the activity, the engineers first emphasized safety regulations and explained all requirements for entering the working area. Afterwards, instructors explained the structure, disassembly and assembly sequence, and precautions for the six-axis robotic arm using physical diagrams, and demonstrated how to detach and reinstall specific pipelines and cables through practical operation.
After completing the theoretical session, participants worked in teams of three to take apart and reassemble the robotic arm. By the end of the activity, every group had successfully restored the robotic arm to its original state. This practical experience not only improved their hands-on skills and teamwork, but also stimulated their curiosity and interest in research.
On the morning of July 14, participants visited the Hubei Provincial Museum and embarked on a cultural journey to explore Jing-Chu civilization. Under the detailed guidance of the docent, the Marquis Zeng Houyi’s Chime Bells captured the full attention of international students. This national treasure that has weathered more than 2,000 years can no longer play ancient melodies, yet its sophisticated structure and exquisite craftsmanship fully embody the grand heritage of ritual music civilization in the Zhou Dynasty.
The participants wandered through the “Eight Centuries of the Chu State” exhibition hall, admiring precious cultural relics including ancient chariots and votive statues. They experienced the long history and distinctive folk customs of the Jing-Chu region and appreciated the unique romance and vitality of Chu culture. These artefacts weave together thousands of years of history, presenting the profound heritage of Jing-Chu culture in an accessible way. The tour allowed participants to appreciate the charm of China’s diverse yet integrated civilization, providing an unforgettable historical and cultural experience.
This series of activities organically integrates professional theoretical learning, hands-on engineering training and humanistic and cultural experiences. It establishes an exchange platform for young students from China and abroad to share knowledge and learn from one another in the field of clean energy. Diverse cultural experiences bring young people from different nations closer together and deepen cross-civilizational dialogue.
Participants noted that the summer school balanced cutting-edge industrial learning with distinctive cultural immersion. They not only gained a comprehensive understanding of the innovative development pathways of China’s new-energy industry, but also came to appreciate the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture. The programme creates favorable conditions for future transnational research cooperation and regular people-to-people exchanges.
Moving forward, ICARE will continue to develop international study and exchange programmes, engaging youth from universities across multiple countries in joint exploration of low-carbon technologies. These efforts will inject youthful momentum into the global green transition and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
