INRTU Students Explored Vladivostok and China through the Student Tourism Program
INRTU Students returned fr om a trip along the route “Irkutsk-Vladivostok-China”. The journey was part of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation’s Student Tourism program. During the “Russian Asia: Second Season” project, students visited Vladivostok and explored the culture and landmarks of China’s provinces.
The host was Vladivostok State University (VVSU). The university provided comfortable dormitory accommodation and developed a comprehensive itinerary. During the trip, the students were accompanied by VVSU representatives Ilona Oleinikova, Marina Shvetsova, and Kristina Shakirova.
The project interested more than 20 students. The team of travelers also included students from Irkutsk State University. Students returned from the trip on July 22.
Maria Kopytova, the Student Tourism program coordinator at INRTU, noted that this time special attention was paid to hands-on learning and project-based activities in the field of tourism.
On the first day of the journey, the group visited the campus of Vladivostok State University (VVSU), explored a dendrological park, and and appreciated the oriental charm of The Japanese Stone Garden Yoshio Morimoto (the Garden of Friendship Toyama).
The students' immersion into national traditions began in the city of Hunchun (Jilin Province). This is a place wh ere the borders of China, North Korea, and Russia meet. Half of Hunchun's residents are Koreans and Manchus, lending a special flavor to the life of this small town. Here, the students participated in a tea ceremony, which in Asian culture is a way to achieve harmony and also a gesture of respect towards guests.
Next, the group explored the landmarks of Tumen and Yanji. They learned the history of these cities' creation, visited picturesque parks and Heaven Lake, and saw the largest Buddha statue in Dunhua.
Fourth-year chemical engineering student Elena Taibinova traveled with her brother and shared her impressions:
“We have positive impressions fr om the trip. The glass bridge in China was the most memorable – magnetically beautiful and a little scary.
We appreciated the uniqueness of Chinese cuisine, wh ere vegetables, rice, and meat harmoniously combine with seasonings and sauces for every taste.
We thank the program 'Student Tourism' for broadening our horizons,” said Elena Taibinova.
On their way back, the students took a sightseeing tour of Vladivostok, visiting landmarks like Tokarevsky Lighthouse, the Korabelnaya Embankment, Nagorny Park, the Zolotoy (Golden) and Russky (Russian) Bridges, and Steklyannaya Bay.
Background:
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation’s Student Tourism program has been implemented since 2021. The program boosts youth travel across Russia – from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Universities across the country open their campuses to guests. Students choose unique tourist programs in the "student-to-student" format, sites and science-themed routes, events, and much more.
