HKSYU Hangzhou Digital Humanities Study and Exchange Trip

Fully sponsored by the Hong Kong Hangzhou CPPCC Friendship Association, a group of 30 students from Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) took part in a Digital Humanities exchange tour to Hangzhou, China, from 14th to 18th May. Among them, 10 students were from the BSc (Hons) in Arts, Culture & Technology program under the Department of Sociology, 15 from the Department of Business Administration, and 5 from the Department of Economics and Finance.

The tour was led by Professor Selina CHAN Ching, HKSYU Academic Vice President, who played a key role in coordinating the exchange. Not only engaged with officials and representatives from government bodies and universities, Professor CHAN also explored future opportunities for collaboration in the areas of digital technology and the humanities between HKSYU and other institutions.

Over five days, students had the privilege of visiting numerous notable sites, enterprises, and academic institutions, thanks to the support of Hangzhou CPPCC’s Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Foreign Affairs.

The itinerary included visits to Hangzhou Lingban Technology Co. Ltd., Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Limited, H3C Group, AIGC Scenario Application Innovation Experience Center, and Hangzhou Electronic Soul Network Technology Co. Ltd. Other spots toured included China Liangzhu Cultural Museum, China Vanke Liangzhu Cultural Village Future City, Hangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Zhejiang University (Cultural Relics Digitalization Department of Cultural Heritage Research Institute), and the China Academy of Art (School of Innovation Design, and Nanshan Road Art Museum).

Students were also allowed to visit the Hangzhou CPPCC New Era Deliberative Democracy Practice Center, where they engaged in dialogues with Hong Kong-based CPPCC members. The Hong Kong entrepreneurs encouraged students to seize the growing opportunities in digital humanities in Hangzhou and consider pursuing careers or entrepreneurship in the city.

The exchange was further enriched by cultural activities generously organized by the Hong Kong Hangzhou CPPCC Friendship Association, including welcome and farewell dinners attended by Mr MA Weiguang, Chairman of the Hangzhou CPPCC, and Vice-Chairman Mr FENG Renqiang respectively, a tour of West Lake, and a viewing of the large-scale water show “Impression West Lake: Most Memorable is Hangzhou”. The experiences helped students gain a deeper understanding of how West Lake, an iconic symbol of Hangzhou, has embraced digital technologies to enhance its cultural and historical narrative.