HKU-China Exploration & Research Society Exploration Trips
HKU and China Exploration & Research Society (CERS) has established partnerships to provide multidisciplinary experiential learning opportunities for students from HKU through running exploration trips in different parts of the world, including Mainland China. For the betterment of the ecology and community concerned, exploration trips are offered to enable students to engage with community members, community leaders and other stakeholders. The trips are themed on a variety of areas: social enterprise; yak cheese making and entrepreneurship in practice; appreciating alpine ecology and cultural diversity; preservation of local cultural heritages such as Lisu festival and projects; observing Yunnan Golden Monkey, one of the world’s most endangered primates; pilgrimage to the sacred Tibetan mountain; and visit to the Thangka Academy for local art appreciation.
Winter 2020: Shangri-la Tibet Exploration Trip
With support from the Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Fund, Horizons Office and the School of Chinese in association with CERS organized a winter programme in 2020, bringing 15 students on an exploration trip to Shangri-La, Deqin and Qiangguqing in Yunnan Province, Mainland China from 4 to 19 January 2020.
Lectures were delivered by dedicated and experienced members from CERS to help students understand the historical, cultural and conservation values of different spots such as Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve (白馬雪山國家級自然保護區) and Napahai (納帕海).
Senior management of CERS including Dr. Bill Bleisch, Research and Programme Director, Ms. Tsering Drolma, Vice-Director Zhongdian Center and Education Coordinator and Prof. Song Haokun attended the closing ceremony of the trip, when students made presentations on six topics after the memorable 16-day journey: (1) Buddhist wisdom and life; (2) The revelations and reflections of Lisu and Tibetan development; (3) Harmony in religion and ethnic minorities; (4) Culture of ethnic minorities; (5) Culture and arts of Tibetan Buddhism; and (6) Conservation of snub-nosed golden monkeys and black-necked cranes.
Group photo with the CERS President Mr. Wong How Man (in white) and CERS team members.
HKU students exchanged views with Mr. Wong How Man and debated on the conservation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys.
HKU students climbing up the Mingyong Glacier.
Collaborative work from HKU students at CERS Centre. The spirit of exploration will stay and bring students farther to pursue their dreams
Exploring Shangri-La with China Exploration & Research Society | Matthew Cheung, HKU
Preservation of Golden Monkey and Tourism｜Karson YAM & Celine TO, HKU
Site Visit to CERS exhibit houses in Shek O and Talk by CERS President, Mr Wong How Man – Understanding the Philosophy of CERS
The visit provides opportunities for students to meet and exchange with the leading explorer Mr Wong How Man, President of CERS, and explore various CERS exhibit houses in Shek O, Hong Kong. Students have learnt a lot about the philosophies of Mr Wong, his astonishing undertakings and achievements, the rationales and objectives of various CERS projects, and the values of cultural and natural conservation.
Mr Wong How Man sharing his life experiences and rationales of various CERS projects with students.
Group photo at the CERS Exhibit House in Shek O
CERS Documentary Nights
Two CERS Documentary Nights were held on 6 October 2020 and 27 November 2020 to introduce CERS’ projects on culture and environment preservation. 30 students from HKU actively participated in the event to share their ideas and learn about Tibetan Shangrila Hung Up on Yak Cheese, Tibetan Kailash The Sacred Mountain, Tibetan Antelope Calving Ground, Cantonese Opera in Cuba and Bhutan TashiGomand.
“Fascinating documentary movies and I really feel the passion and spirit of Mr Wong How Man, President of CERS. Also, it makes me really want to join the CERS trips to experience the wonderful journeys.” Dai Shijie, School of Business, PG Year 1
“It’s not about with how big it is, but how fine. Do something no one ever thought of. I admire Mr Wong’s effort in saving endangered culture, especially Ewenki’s beautiful voice and Sibe people’s performance. It’s not just about protecting the culture itself, but also the care for humanity. A great example would be his invitation of retired pilots to re-visit the famous Hump Route. His vision and experience made me understand there are lots of things we could do.” Shun Lee, Faculty of Science, UG Year 3