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A delegation of nine students from the University of Hong Kong participated in the "Great Tea Route" cultural tour —a Hubei-Hong Kong youth "Belt and Road" exchange program  on tea history and culture from December 16 to 21. This project was initiated and approved by the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the Ministry of Education, hosted by Hubei University, and organized by its School of History and Culture. During the week-long cultural journey, the students not only retraced the Great Tea Route, experienced Chinese tea processing techniques and tea art, but also delved deeper into the essence of Chinese tea culture.

In the academic lecture, Professor Huang Baiquan and Professor Zhang Ning from Hubei University, as well as Professor Ding Guangping from Hubei University of Science and Technology, provided in-depth and easy-to-understand explanations on the role of the Great Tea Route in the cultural exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations, the global spread of Chinese tea, and the inheritance and innovation of tea culture. The students gained a clearer understanding of the evolution of tea and the development of the tea trade, as well as a deeper appreciation of the rich heritage of tea culture.

In Yangloudong Ancient Town, a famous tea producing area in Hubei province, the students conducted a field study of the entire process of tea-making, from planting, picking, processing to transportating to the dock. In Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County, they appreciated the elegance and strength of tea art through learning tea art performances. At the Hankou Concession Area, the students visited historical sites such as the Banov's House, Shunfeng Tea House owned by Russian merchants, the Orthodox Church, and the Dent & Co. owned by British merchants, understanding Hankou's special position along the Great Tea Route. They also visited the Hubei Provincial Museum and the History Museum of Hubei University, deeply appreciating the unique charm of Chu culture and the cultural heritage of Hubei University.

The director of the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs Office of Hubei University stated that Hubei University will continue to organize more exchange activities, so as to provide more platforms for teachers and students to enhance cooperation and communication and foster cultural identity through joint efforts. Students from the University of Hong Kong expressed that this activity not only improved their understanding of tea processing, transportation, and sales, but also helped them developed a clearer understanding of Hubei. After returning to Hong Kong, they would like to share their experiences and insights with their classmates,  enabling more people to learn about the culture and history of Hubei province.