A delegation of 37 students and 4 teachers from Hong Kong Geopark visited Shilin Geopark on July 1st, aiming at increasing bilateral geoscience popularization. This year’s program was initiated by Hong Kong Geopark and hosted by Shilin Geopark.

Students visited Shilin Geoarpk

The delegation visited No.1 Middle School of Shilin County on July 2nd, participated school activities with Shilin students, learned the school history. The students communicated at pleasant atmosphere, singing, dancing and exchanging gifts. Students from Hong Kong were very interested in the folk culture. Later, Shilin students led their counterparts to nearby supermarket for shopping. Students from Hong Kong and Shilin developed deep friendship during the short half-day time. When departing, they were taking pictures together, leaving each other the contact information, and were   reluctant to say good bye to each other.  

Shilin geopark staff led the students to important geosites and historical cultural attractions during their tours to the Major Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Shilin gological museum, Jiuxiang Cave Western Hill, Yunnan Provincial Museum, Guangdu Ancient Town. The students showed great interest in earth science and historical culture of Shilin geoaprk and other attractions. The 5-day visit made the students have the opportunities to feast their eyes on the scenery of the charming landscape, to experience splendid culture and history of Kunming city and and Yunnan province. They said the exhibition items in the museum broadened their views, the bonfire party was lasting memories for them.  

Exchange activities were well arranged and welcomed by students and teachers of No. 1 Middle School of Shilin County. Shilin students hoped they could have more similar opportunities, saying they know more about Hongkong from this program, develop friendship with Hongkong students, and it is so special experience in their life.  

Staff member of Hongkong geopark said such program encouraged science education and students exchange, the partnership between geoparks can afford students opportunities to know geological knowledge and phenomenon of other places, to experience different culture and history, to make friends all over the world.

Actually, 2016 students exchange was the first activity since 2015 when Shilin and Hong Kong initiated a partnership, aiming to help teachers and students interested in earth science and historical culture of both geoparks, as well as develop friendship with each other and ecourage cooperation between geoaprks. Shilin and Hong Kong geoaprks will continue the cooperation and promote further students exchange for future.