Yangzhou in field trip offers engineering insights
Situated at the intersection of the Yangtze River Delta and the Jing-Hang Grand Canal, Yangzhou is a beautiful city with a history of more than 2,000 years. Benefiting from the advancement of China, Yangzhou enjoys a flourishing economy with a leading role in automobile and ship-building industries. 
We visited the production lines of Yangzhou Hongyun Automobile Company Limited, a shipyard and the power generator plant of the Yingtai Group. The fully-automated automotive production lines, systematic work procedures and strict management and quality checking policies have changed many of our fellow students’ perceived impressions about mainland factories. We also visited an irrigation project to see its advanced equipment and find out about its technology and principle of operation. After learning about the “South-to-North Water Diversion Project”, we understand how precious water is. 
We visited the facilities and beautiful campus of Yangzhou University. During a meeting with professors and students there, we exchanged ideas about academic programmes, and the development and culture of our respective institutions. We had lunch together at the student canteen to further our conversation.
We are students from the Division of Building Science and Technology. This summer we had the chance to go with our teachers on a trip to Yangzhou under the sponsorship of a donor. The trip enhanced our understanding of Yangzhou’s history and culture as well as its development of building engineering.
During the six-day tour, we visited the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Yangzhou University and leading corporations and manufacturing plants as well as local scenic spots that deepened our understanding of Yangzhou’s economy, history and heritage.
Despite the relative shortness of the trip, we all gained a lot during those six days, and missed the city very much after departure. Many of our fellow students hope to go again to the mainland for further exploration and understanding. Some even consider developing their careers in the mainland in the future.
We would like to express gratitude to Mrs Mariana Yeung, Managing Director of Wing Lai Yuen, for her generous sponsorship and to the Yangzhou Municipal Government and its relevant departments for their support. We would also like to thank teachers and staff from our Division: Dr Sun Yongjun, Assistant Professor; Mr Lai Hing-wai, Lecturer; Mr Peter Wong Kung-ming, Lecturer; and Mr Wilbur Cheung Ka-bong, Executive Officer I, for their arrangement and care.