From January 21 to 28, 2024, a team of 31 students enrolled in Xinya College in 2023 experienced an eight-day study tour in the United Kingdom (UK) under the leadership of teachers Yan Di and Wang Xiaojing. They visited local universities, partner institutions, cultural venues and other places for in-depth exchanges.

On the 22nd, the team visited Clare College of the University of Cambridge for exchanges.

Maciej Dunajski, Professor of Mathematical Physics at the University of Cambridge, introduced four fields of geometry to the students, arousing their strong interest in mathematics and geometry; Professor Charlie Weiss introduced the basic situation of the university's Classics, sparking heated discussions on related courses. Under the guidance of Professor Charlie Weiss, the students visited the solemn and ancient Cambridge University Library and Clare College to feel the atmosphere in which the campus and the whole town are integrated perfectly.

At the banquet hall of Clare College, the students dressed in formal suits participated in a formal dinner according to formal etiquette and procedures, experiencing the dining culture of the UK. During the meal, students sitting next to each other engaged in open, friendly and lively communication. They enhanced mutual understanding and friendship while enjoying British cuisine. The banquet hall was full of their mirthful laughter.

On the drizzly morning of the 23rd, the team toured Needham Research Institute. Professor Mei Jianjun, Director of the Needham Research Institute of the University of Cambridge, introduced Joseph Needham and his work Science and Civilisation in China to the team members. Joseph Needham, a famous biochemist, made great contributions to the study of science and technology history in China. The Science and Civilisation in China book series presents a comprehensive overview of the sciences and technologies of China from ancient times, enabling the Western mainstream to appreciate the wisdom and greatness of Chinese civilization. At present, the project of the book series continues under the direction of the Publications Board of the Needham Research Institute. Later, Professor Mei Jianjun guided the teachers and students to visit the institute. The lush trees around the institute made them feel the charm of concentrating on academic research in such an environment.

After their three-day visit to the University of Cambridge, teacher Yan Di and the students returned to the hotel. Subsequently, they gathered in the first-floor hall to engage in a discussion on their experiences and observations in the past three days. The students expressed their opinions and communicated with each other freely. Their discussions encompassed not only what they had seen and heard in the past three days, but also a wide range of topics such as culture, education, development, similarities and differences. For each topic, students actively shared their ideas before transitioning to the next topic of interest in a fluid and natural manner.

On the 25th, the team visited the University of Oxford. It is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second-oldest surviving higher education institution in the world. Chen Kai, who was enrolled in Xinya College in 2019 and is currently studying at the University of Oxford, showed the students around famous buildings in the university. Chen had a warm exchange with the students and patiently answered their questions. The students truly felt the differences between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge as well as the differences between the universities and Tsinghua University, and gradually fostered a broader international vision.

On the 26th and 27th, the team visited the British Museum, British Library, Tate Britain and other places.

During this tour, the students gathered together frequently to carry out interesting collective activities to foster communication and deeper understanding, thereby promoting their friendship. This tour also enabled the students to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and worldview of the UK civilization, and contemplate more deeply the significance of general education and the responsibilities that young people should undertake.