A delegation of 100 students from Japan's Soka University embarked on a cultural journey in central China's Wuhan, delving into the city's historical landmarks and living traditions.

The group enjoyed the night view of the Yellow Crane Tower, a 1,800-year-old cultural icon, where an immersive light show and modern projections set the tone for their trip. A student named Kawato Ayumu commented, "Seeing traditional buildings like the Yellow Crane Tower up close made me feel like I had truly arrived in China,"
Soka University is known in Japan for its international studies and cultivating students with broader and international vision. The trip inspired the Japanese students to compare the cultural connections and differences between their two countries.
For many of these students, Chinese film and TV were their first window into the country's culture. "I watched 'Big Fish & Begonia.' The way it portrayed Chinese landscapes amazed me," Kawato said, referring to a 2016 Chinese animation movie based on ancient Chinese classics.
Beyond sightseeing, the students immersed themselves in local traditions. They biked along Wuhan's well-known East Lake, enjoying the city's spring scenery, and joined local college students in cultural heritage activities, from handcrafting lacquered fans and carving seals to doing the dragon dance.
"Before coming, I thought China and Japan were similar. But after arriving, I saw how vast China is. The mix of nature and skyscrapers is so striking. I want my family and friends to experience it too," another student Sato Riko said.
For these students, China was no longer just a place seen on screen, it became a living, breathing experience. From history to modern culture, their journey left them with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for what China has to offer.