The Winter Camp
How does a country with no Google, Facebook, or Instagram keep up with the rest of the world—and even surpass everyone else in various ways? I found the answer in China during my 14-day stay as part of the China-Bangladesh Winter Bridge Camp.
The first morning was a whirlwind! We set out with the volunteers, receiving special treatment like royalty. But, let’s talk about the food—the canteen breakfast was an absolute disaster! I ended up surviving on sandwiches from the departmental store for the rest of the trip. After an orientation that I barely remember (thanks to the early start), we began our campus tour.
One thing that blew my mind? There are no private cars or motorbikes aimlessly roaming the university. If someone has a vehicle, they park it and walk to their department. Can you imagine such discipline? I’ve been saying it for years: rickshaws are slowing us down in Bangladesh!
As we walked, we came across two gates facing each other, both leading nowhere—or so I thought. A PhD student walking beside me, with striking blue eyes and an air of mystery, mentioned these gates. She said one gate leads to the sky and the other to water, inspired by the legendary Feng (Phoenix) and Teng (Dragon), considered lovers in Chinese mythology. As someone who grew up fascinated with legends, I found it amazing how much value they place on their myths, despite being a largely non-believing nation.
Speaking of people, this PhD student was something else. She was studying child athletics and spoke English better than most. Over the days, we had several interactions, and I couldn’t help but feel she saw the world in a way that was deeply familiar.
The program I was part of? China-Bangladesh Winter Bridge Camp. But, to be honest, like many other programs, I barely cared about its official purpose. My mission was simple: see China with my own eyes, not through someone else’s lens. What I experienced in the next 13 days made me question everything I thought I knew.
Yunnan University: A Blend of Beauty, Structure, and Innovation
One thing that left a lasting impression on me was Yunnan University itself. As a final-year BBA student at Dhaka University, I couldn’t help but admire the sheer beauty and structure of the campus. It was spotless—so clean that you could walk around all day, and your shoes would still be as white as when you started. The roads, the buildings, and even the walkways were meticulously maintained, which made me question how we approach campus management back home.
What stood out to me wasn’t just the cleanliness but how everything felt so intentional. There were sculptures scattered throughout the campus, not just for decoration but to evoke thought and reflect their rich culture. There’s no chaotic traffic either—no unnecessary honking or bikes zooming past. Students with private vehicles park them and walk. It’s the discipline, the structure, and the sense of order that made me realize how different things could be in our own educational institutions.
And then there was the fusion of art and technology. Yunnan University isn’t just a place for lectures and exams. It’s a hub of creativity. I was blown away when I saw how a group of students created the cockpit of a passenger plane in just seven days. That’s the level of tech advancement and skill they have! Art is blended into every corner of the campus, from the pottery they create to the futuristic projects they build. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and it left me inspired to think about what we could achieve with a similar mindset.
I was also fortunate enough to witness their pottery-making process. Watching how simple clay was transformed into beautiful pots felt almost magical. The precision, the patience, the attention to detail—it was like seeing art come alive in real-time. The craftsmanship isn’t just a job for them, it’s a form of storytelling, passed down through generations. Whether it was in the heart of the city or in the villages, art was everywhere.
The Cultural Fusion and Discipline
If I told you their kids build robots, make real flying planes in two weeks, and learn through doing, not memorizing, you’d be in awe too. They have assemblies where they dance and rehearse between classes—talk about keeping things fun and engaging! It’s no wonder their education system is so advanced.
National pride is at the heart of everything they do. They prioritize their country above all, which is likely why China has managed to stay so united and progressive.
Calligraphy and Reflection
One class that stood out to me was the Chinese calligraphy session. Now, I’m not a morning person, but this class gave me a strange energy. Calligraphy felt like a form of meditation—structured yet unstructured. The strokes I made with the brush soon developed into my personal style. It was artistic, calming, and empowering all at once.
That said, the one thing I disliked? The dormitory closed at 11 PM! How do these students survive without a nightlife?
China: The Unexpected Dream Destination
And let’s not forget one more thing that truly caught my attention: the roads. I’ve been to places where you need to navigate through trash and debris, but not in China. The streets were unbelievably clean—so clean that I was taken aback. Compared to Bangladesh, where waste management is still a struggle, it felt like I had stepped into a different world altogether. The discipline and cleanliness of the country are ingrained in its culture, from the tiniest child to the busiest adult.
Ever since I returned from China, I’ve been telling everyone—China isn’t what you think. Forget what you’ve seen in movies or heard from others. It’s a place where you don’t have to worry about pollution, chaos, or inefficiency. If there’s anywhere else I’d want to live, it’s China.