Sino-ASEAN mingling to forge closer bonds

On weekends, students from different countries gather for a meal in their dormitory, each cooking a dish from their cuisine. [Photo provided to China Daily]

There are currently more than 200 students from ASEAN countries－including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar－studying at the university.

Hoawg Xuan Truong, also from Vietnam and a junior student at the university, says the ASEAN students and their Chinese classmates and teachers often gather and cook meals during weekends.

"This lets us taste other Asian dishes on campus and share our thoughts, as well as make friends from different countries," says the 28-year-old.

Hoawg says the gatherings have enhanced their understanding of different cultures.

According to Xia, activities are also held during local festivals to make them feel at home.

Luong says he has visited most cities in Guizhou in his spare time and communicated with the local people, and this has taught him a lot about Chinese culture.

He says he wants to be a bridge between China and his country.

"I will tell people about what I saw and heard and I hope to enhance mutual understanding."

Xia, for his part, says: "We will organize cultural activities twice a year in which these students can mingle with Chinese people."

Dong Xianwu contributed to the story.