Students from Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, visit Harbin Polarpark in Heilongjiang province during a study trip on July 31, 2024. [Photo provided to China Daily]
 
Dinar Aniwar deeply felt the charm and power of technology as she visited Harbin Institute of Technology — her first stop during an ongoing trip to the capital of Heilongjiang province.
 
"The rich exhibits in the institute's museum, ranging from architectural models to historical pictures, from original academic works to rare textbooks, and from sophisticated laboratory instruments to aerospace models, all showcase its profound heritage and scientific strength," said the 14-year-old student, a member of the Kazakh ethnic group, from Beitun township in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
 
"We shuttled through the exhibits as if traveling through the river of history, engaging in a cross-temporal dialogue with the glorious achievements of HIT."
 
On Monday evening, an airplane carrying 41 students from various ethnic groups, including Han, Kazakh, Uygur, Hui and Salar, arrived in Harbin, marking the first Altay study exchange group to Heilongjiang after the opening of direct flights between Altay and Harbin.
 
"Stepping onto the unfamiliar but eagerly anticipated land of Heilongjiang with excitement, we received flowers and a warm welcome from some middle school students of Harbin waiting at the airport, which made us feel the hospitality of the people of the city," Aniwar said.
 
"They also told us Harbin is a city full of vitality and charm, with four distinct seasons, each offering a unique flavor."
 
In the first two days, together with Harbin students, they also visited Harbin Polarpark and the Sun Island scenic area.
 
During the following days of their eight-day trip, they will visit famous attractions such as St. Sophia Cathedral, the Central Avenue, Harbin Grand Theater and the Museum of Evidence of War Crimes by Japanese Army Unit 731.
 
Before returning to Xinjiang on Monday, they will visit the Tieren Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall in Daqing to learn about the man who set a proud example for China's oilfield workers.
 
Interactive activities with local students have also been arranged during the trip, including making aircraft models, baking bread, painting Russian-style matryoshka dolls, and exchanging books and gifts.
 
During the trip, the Xinjiang students also shared the history, culture, customs and cuisine of their hometown, which gave the Harbin students a more profound understanding of the distant region.
 
Students from both regions are looking forward to a visit to the Siberian Tiger Park on Saturday, where they will get to "adopt" a tiger cub named Ertai. The cub's name — with "er" from Harbin and "tai" from Altay — is a symbol of national unity.
 
"Most of the 41 students are visiting Heilongjiang for the first time," said Li Yuanhao, deputy director of Altay's cultural, sports, radio, television and tourism bureau. "With the opening of the direct flight route between Altay and Harbin, the travel time has been shortened, improving the traveling experience.
 
"This tour allows students to exchange cultural knowledge, cultivate sincere friendships, and blend ethnic emotions during the journey. It also serves as a bridge between Heilongjiang and Altay, holding significant importance in achieving great unity among the people and promoting the integration of culture and tourism."