International students of the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) from more than 10 countries embarked on an outing to Hangzhou to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival last week.
Hangzhou, the capital of East China’s Zhejiang Province, is a renowned tourist destination located to the west of Shanghai. The Double Ninth Festival, occurring on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese calendar is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated in China and its neighboring countries. It is customary to go on a tour, climb a mountain, fly a kite and pay respect to the elderly to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
JI students take photos during the journey
The outing was organized by the JI Cross Culture Center and the International Programs Office, with the aim of providing a platform for students from diverse cultural backgrounds to learn, exchange experiences, and form friendships.
“We hope that these outing activities can promote cultural exchanges among students, enhance their physical fitness and enrich their study and life experiences in China,” said Yongqiang Jin, JI’s international student service officer.
Since its establishment in 2006, JI has attracted more than 700 degree-seeking international students from over 40 countries. The joint institute also welcomes short-term exchange students from its worldwide partners every year.
Snapshots of local scenery in Hangzhou
