On September 22, 2025, the "Chinese Bridge" Autumn Camp organized by the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University (METU CI) concluded successfully. The camp emphasized immersive experiences and offered a rich variety of activities. Nineteen students and a leading teacher from METU embarked on a ten-day journey, exploring Beijing and Xiamen in depth. Through a series of cultural activities and academic exchanges, they gained a comprehensive understanding of China's profound cultural heritage and vibrant modernity.

In Beijing, students wandered through the halls of the Forbidden City, gazing at golden roofs and red walls, listening to echoes of history. They climbed the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, stepping on ancient bricks and stones, encouraging each other to reach the summit, directly experiencing the majestic continuity of Chinese civilization. At the same time, Beijing also showcased a different side of modern China. In the 798 Art District, contemporary art displayed in old factory buildings amazed our students; between the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, they felt the passion of the Olympics and the city's lively energy. All these experiences deepened their appreciation for the blend of tradition and modernity, understanding the inheritance and development of Chinese culture more profoundly.

The itinerary then moved south to Xiamen, where language and cultural learning went hand in hand with practical activities. Lectures on Minnan culture, education system in China, and Chinese language and literature provided students with a framework to understand China. The Turkish students actively participated in discussions; Eren Berk Karabulut shared his impressions from his travels in China, while Eren Sen shared his explorations and reflections on learning Chinese characters. A series of cultural activities immersed students further—practicing Tai Chi, which embodies the philosophy of harmony and strength; making dumplings by hand, symbolizing reunion and harmony, with a strong sense of achievement from eating their own creations; and notably, engaging with Xiamen's intangible cultural heritage art— paper quilling art. Under the guidance of paper quilling artist Ms.Chen Baozhen, students used their creativity to transform simple paper strips into unique works of art through folding and gluing, giving new life to ordinary materials. These activities greatly stimulated their interest in Chinese culture and, through hands-on experience and collaborative interaction, deepened their understanding of Chinese culture.

This autumn camp laid a new path of understanding in the hearts of Turkish students. They stepped beyond textbooks and classrooms, walking into China themselves, measuring the land with their footsteps, transforming cultural awareness from mere concepts into genuine perception and resonance. This precious experience is like a seed, nurturing the future of friendship and cooperation between China and Türkiye.