Small World, Big Connections: Global Youth Gather at HKUST(GZ) for PLACE 2026

HKUST(GZ) has turned into a vibrant global hub this August, welcoming young participants from 45 countries and regions to the cross-campus Playshop for Language and Cultural Exchange (PLACE) Summer Camp 2026.

At the camp, students sailed across the Lingdingyang Bay and marveled at China's story through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. They wore hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) and made pressed flower art, diving deep into the country's cultural heritage. Yet what lingered longest was not the activities themselves, but the friendships forged along the way.

In the dorms, a shared Beijing duck brought together Alexandra, a Franco-Chinese participant, and Tracy CHEUNG from Hong Kong, China. On the football pitch, Adea, a Canadian participant, received a Team China jersey from teammate Keyu LIN, a gesture that said, "Tonight, we play as one."

Luke from the US learned about the rigor of China's gaokao from his friend Haoyan CHEN. "I know how hard it is," Luke said. "He worked so hard to get here."

Chinese student Ziqi HU, though she has never visited her roommate Jo Ee's home in Australia, put it simply: "I have never been there, but I've already heard the world."

Setting aside language and background, they connected through laughter, dreams, and a youthful spirit. Two weeks were enough to transform a shy "Hi" into a tearful "I'll miss you." Yet, the time also solidified a promise: "I'll definitely come back to China," charting future reunions from Toronto streets to Lingnan's festive nights.

For these young global citizens, China was more than culinary delights or scenic wonders. It was where they met one another, discovered shared aspirations, and forged bonds that transcend borders.