From 31 May to 4 June 2026, members of the PolyU Student Flag-Raising Team joined over 100 representatives from 11 Hong Kong tertiary institutions in the Second Hong Kong University Flag-Raising Team Delegation Visit to Beijing, organised by the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association. The immersive programme provided rich learning opportunities centred on patriotism, national education, Chinese history, and cross-institutional exchange.
Through first-hand participation in the national flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square and a visit to the People’s Liberation Army Honour Guard, PolyU students developed a deeper appreciation of the dignity and symbolism of the national flag. Observing professional Chinese-style drill and engaging with the Honour Guard strengthened their discipline, precision, and respect for national identity.
The study tour also broadened students’ historical perspectives. Visits to sites including the Juyongguan Great Wall, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, and the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression helped them better understand China’s historical journey and the resilience behind it. Meanwhile, exhibitions at the National Museum of China and the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution, together with observations of Beijing’s urban development and the Olympic Park, showcased the nation’s remarkable modern achievements.
Engagements with Beihang University, including a flag-raising demonstration and peer exchange, fostered meaningful friendships and mutual learning. PolyU students further sharpened their flag-raising techniques while strengthening teamwork and leadership through sharing with mainland counterparts.
Overall, the trip enriched students’ sense of national identity and responsibility, encouraging them to contribute actively to telling China’s story with authenticity and pride.
Building on this momentum, a sharing session was held on 20 June 2026, where students vividly reflected on what they had learned and how the exchange shaped their understanding. With short videos and carefully prepared PowerPoint slides, they recalled moments such as standing solemnly during the flag-raising ceremony, watching the Honour Guard’s perfectly timed movements, and feeling the weight of history along the Great Wall. Their presentations also highlighted practical growth, including clearer techniques, stronger teamwork, and more confident leadership, reinforcing that patriotism can be practised through discipline, respect, and continuous learning.
