Inner Mongolia “Journey from Desert to Oasis” – From 5 to 11 May, 2025

(sponsored by Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and Youth Development Commission)

A group of 25 students with teaching staff from Gratia Christian College visited Inner Mongolia in May to carry out a 7-day “Journey from Desert to Oasis” exploration tour. The main objectives of the exchange project activities covered the following aspects:

• Understanding National Conditions – Understand the special national conditions of China as a multi-ethnic country

• Culture and Art – Understand the history and cultural characteristics of Inner Mongolia

• Economic Science – Learn about sustainable development of forestry economic knowledge

• Environmental Science – Understand the significance and technology of desert greening

• Environmental Spirit – Learn to move towards the goal of low-carbon life

• Service Spirit – Provide volunteer service of planting trees in the desert

We visited the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon and the The Western Xia mausoleums to gain an in-depth understanding of the Yellow River culture and Western Xia history. In addition, the team visited the Inner Mongolia Alasha Career Technical College to exchange ideas with local teachers and students on the education system and industry integration model. Cultural exchange through art and cultural interactions was also promoted in the Mongolian school.

The focus of the activity was to investigate combation on desertification at the Malan Lake base. The students participated in tree planting activities in the desert, talked with the staff of the green base, and learned about the hardships and achievements of combation on desertification. The team also experienced the life of herdsmen, stargazing activities and bonfire parties, and the unique charm of the grassland culture.

This journey not only broadened the students’ horizons, but also strengthened their sense of responsibility for ecological conservation, laying a solid foundation for continued cooperation between the two places in the future.