On 14 August 2026, People’s Park in Guangzhou became an unexpected meeting point for young people from around the world. More than 160 international students joined the 2026 PLACE Language and Cultural Exchange Summer Camp, hosted by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) as part of its “Global Youth Discover Guangzhou” programme.
Key Points:
- Guangzhou's People's Park hosted a dynamic cultural exchange event.
- Over 160 international students from 40+ countries participated.
- Pickleball and traditional Chinese calligraphy served as interactive icebreakers.
- The program, led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), prioritized hands-on immersion over conventional tourism.
Beyond the Tour Bus: Guangzhou's Bold New Approach
Among the participants were 42 university students from Guangzhou’s international friendship cities, including Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco in the United States, Bristol in the UK, Frankfurt in Germany and Lyon in France. Instead of experiencing the city through a conventional sightseeing itinerary, the students were invited to take part in local activities—including an introduction to pickleball.
From Pickleball Courts to Calligraphy
Pickleball was only one part of the cultural exchange. The students also tried their hands at traditional Chinese calligraphy, creating an interesting contrast between the fast pace of a pickleball rally and the careful precision required for each brushstroke. Despite being very different activities, both offered the same lesson: participation matters more than observation.
Watching someone play pickleball cannot replicate the experience of stepping onto the court, just as observing calligraphy does not capture the challenge of controlling a brush yourself. The students therefore joined local residents directly, learning through participation, mistakes and plenty of shared moments along the way.
A Different Way to Discover Guangzhou
The activities offered the students something beyond the typical tourist experience. Instead of simply moving from one landmark to another, they were able to interact with local residents and experience a small part of everyday life in Guangzhou.
A pickleball rally could lead to a shared laugh, while an imperfect brushstroke could become the start of a conversation. These simple interactions created opportunities for cultural exchange that went far beyond traditional sightseeing.
Pickleball Becomes a Cultural Bridge
With participants representing more than 40 countries, the summer camp demonstrated how sport and cultural activities can bring people together despite differences in language and background.
For the international students, every pickleball point and calligraphy stroke offered a direct, hands-on introduction to Guangzhou. Rather than simply seeing the city as visitors, they became temporary participants in its community—creating an experience that was personal, informal and far more memorable than a standard tour.
