On the 13th of February 2025, Shandong University Winter Camp in Greece came to a successful end, which was jointly organized by the Chinese Research Institute of the University of Patras (UP ) and Shandong University (SDU). This program provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience Greek culture and explore ancient civilizations. From the preparation of the program to its successful ending, the Chinese Research Institute of UP was committed to guiding the students in the preparation of the relevant documents and maintaining effective communication with both universities as well as provided supports in all details, in order to make the winter camp program a worthwhile experience for the students.

The students were led by professional teachers to experience the unique charm of ancient Greek civilization in an immersive way. They took a trip to visit the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Patras Archaeological Museum, Patras Castle and other famous historical sites and cultural venues. The exquisite stone carving art and magnificent architectural style made the students marvelled and deeply felt the ultimate pursuit of beauty by ancient Greeks; Patras Castle, with its unique architectural style and historical background, made the students feel the wisdom of ancient Greek military fortifications.

The professors of the University of Patras also conducted a series of lectures on ancient Greek history and culture for the students, analyzing the ancient Greek civilization in depth from the theoretical level, and constructing a systematic cognition of SDU students on the world of ancient Greek civilization. In the session of mutual learning of Chinese and Greek civilizations between students of the two universities, Chinese and Greek students showed their own culture and folklore, and the students of UP enthusiastically taught the SDU students on traditional Greek dances, and all of them were immersed in a sea of joy, and the Chinese and Greek cultures continued to clash sparks in the friendly exchanges and activities.

During the exchange activities at UP, the 12th of February coincided with the Chinese Lantern Festival. SDU students specially planned a “Lantern Making” session, in which Chinese and Greek teachers and students made lanterns together. In the midst of laughter and exchanges, the teachers and students of UP not only learned how to turn a piece of ordinary paper into a work of art that symbolizes reunion and hope, but also experienced the strong Chinese sentiment. The lanterns slowly lit up the night sky, as if reflecting the warm picture of two ancient civilizations meeting and reflecting each other at this moment.

Stepping onto this ancient and mysterious land of Greece is undoubtedly a feast for both the sense and the mind for SDU students. When the eyes touched the beauty of Greece, the shock and intoxication were born. The staggered houses are built on the hillside against the clear, jewel-like waters of the sea. As the students strolled along the winding stone paths, the sea breeze gently brushed their cheeks, bringing them with the unique scent of the sea, and each step was like stepping into a stunning oil painting. The Greek cuisine also brought a wonderful journey to the taste buds of the students. The rich and mellow moussaka, the layers of aubergines, potatoes and tender minced meat, together with the tangy cheese and creamy white sauce, are full of aroma and the richness of the various ingredients is intoxicating.

The Greek winter camp is undoubtedly unforgettable for the students, at the end of the time students exchanged contact information with each other, agreed to continue to discuss academic issues on line in the future, also talked about joint research activities on Chinese and Greek culture, the Chinese Research Institute of the University of Patras will also provide full supports on exchanges for the two universities. The traditional culture of the two countries will be inherited and promoted in the young generation, and at the same time, the collision of different cultures will also stimulate the spark of innovation, injecting new vitality into the development of the two countries' cultures, and promoting the continuous innovation of culture in inheritance, better adapting to the needs of the development of the times.