On December 28, the 13th "1911" Hiking Event of Zhejiang Gongshang University came to a successful close. The School of International Education actively organized international students to take part. More than seventy international students from across the world joined teachers and students from the whole university to trace the campus heritage on foot and write a new chapter of campus integration through teamwork, completing the full course and showing the spirit of international students as they actively engage with campus life and embrace youthful vitality.
The "1911" Hiking Event began in 2011. To celebrate the university's centennial and to honor its predecessor—the Hangzhou Middle School of Commerce founded in 1911—ZJSU established the "1911" Hiking Event, which requires teachers, students, and alumni to complete a 19.11-kilometer hike in teams. The hike tests participants' endurance and perseverance while building a bridge for interaction between teachers and students. This year saw a significant increase in the number of international students taking part, with new international students forming the main force; the infusion of fresh energy filled the international hiking team with youthful vigor.
On the day of the event, at the starting signal, they set off at a steady pace from the first athletics field of the Xiasha Campus along the scenic riverside road. Along the way, they encouraged and supported one another, filling the route with laughter and conversation. Chinese and international students exchanged hiking experiences, and greetings and blessings in different languages intertwined, becoming the warmest sight along the trail. In the end, all participating international students reached the finish line. As they received their completion cards and medals, everyone posed for photos, freezing the glory of youth and perseverance.
The hike was a rewarding experience, and international students readily shared their impressions:
Ekaterina (Xiao Xue) (Russia)
This is the first big campus event I've joined since coming to the university, and I absolutely loved it! The weather was lovely and the scenery was beautiful. I spent a wonderful time with my friends, chatting about all kinds of things along the way. This kind of hike is good for our health, and I'm already looking forward to next year.
Casiana (Meili) (Equatorial Guinea)
Today's walk was a little tiring but truly enjoyable. Walking together and cheering one another on made the experience all the more meaningful. The scenery along the way was gorgeous, and the moment I reached the finish line filled me with a strong sense of achievement. Winning a medal at the end made the journey even more rewarding and unforgettable. This was absolutely a day to remember.
Mariia (Jiguang) (Russia)
I had been looking forward to this hike, and the experience exceeded my expectations! Though the distance was challenging, sharing it with good friends made the journey fun and meaningful. With laughter and mutual encouragement all the way, it really felt like being part of a warm big family. When I received the medal at the end, reflecting on the challenge we had completed that morning, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I'm so glad I took part, and I'm already looking forward to next year's hike!
The 19.11-kilometer hike was not only a test of physical endurance but also a vivid example of how international students integrate into the ZJSU campus. Its successful conclusion brought diverse vitality to campus culture and made the university motto of "Sincerity, Perseverance, Diligence, Simplicity" shine through cross-cultural exchange. In the future, we look forward to more international students writing their own wonderful chapters on the ZJSU campus!
