On April 27, 2024，on the occasion of the opening of the 9th Hubei Shiyan Han River Cherry Festival, "National Landmark · Shiyan Nostalgia", the international students from HUAT were invited to join the event. They actively participated in promoting Hanjiang cherries and local agricultural products, supporting the rural revitalization efforts in Zhangwan District.

During the event, the students learned about the background and development of Liujiahe Village. They were particularly impressed by the vibrant cherries and the villagers’ homemade specialties, such as dried green beans, local honey, and free-range eggs. They interacted with the festival mascots and did their part to promote these local products, even purchasing some themselves. After tasting the cherries, a Bangladeshi student named Meng Xiaoan praised them highly and recommended them to other visitors. A Ghanaian student named Jia Zhen said in an interview, “This is my first time tasting cherries from Shiyan. It’s really a privilege to enjoy such sweet and sour cherries here in Shiyan, China.”

Through this experience, our university’s international students gained firsthand insights into China’s rural development and a deeper understanding of the achievements of China’s rural revitalization and the strengths of grassroots governance in Chinese villages. They expressed that the event not only immersed them in a multicultural environment but also enhanced their cultural literacy. They are now more motivated to promote Chinese culture and share Chinese stories with others.