Students examine the grandeur of the replica of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, a renowned Chinese painting masterpiece, at the Chinese Painting Classics Museum. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hong Kong journalism students went exploring as the 2025 Fan Changjiang Action — Hong Kong Journalism Students' Zhejiang Tour was launched at the Chinese Painting Classics Museum in Hangzhou — the capital of East China's Zhejiang province — on Aug 4.

Fifteen journalism students from top Hong Kong universities — including The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong — are visiting Hangzhou and the neighboring Ningbo city in Zhejiang over six days to explore and document the province's rich culture and development.

Inspired by legendary journalist Fan Changjiang's 1935 journey through China, the program encourages young reporters to tell authentic stories of the Chinese mainland.

Since its 2014 launch, the initiative has taken students across over 100 cities in China and abroad, promoting their professional training and cross-regional exchanges.

In Zhejiang, students are engaging with local culture — including VR experiences of historic sites, exploring innovation hubs like BrainCo and Rokid and visiting rural revitalization sites such as Anshan village in Ningbo.

"Zhejiang's development — from ecological efforts to digital innovation — is deeply inspiring," said HKU student Tai Wen-min.

The weeklong visit aims to deepen students' understanding of mainland development and to foster closer ties between Hong Kong and Zhejiang through youth-led storytelling.

Students look at the Foguang Temple during the epochs of various dynasties using VR devices. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]