“The immersion class in Changzhi, Shanxi, was an invaluable experience that aligned with my goals of pursuing a master's degree in China. It provided insights into various industries and their industrial processes, as well as a rich cultural learning experience.”
——Sirinchaya Vachirabanchong(欣雅), 2021 IMEM Program
On the evening of 21st September, 2023, guided by Professor Linning CAI and Ms. Haitao WANG, nine international students of Department of Industrial Engineering(IE) departed for Changzhi City of Shanxi Province for a four-day immersion class. The group visited several renowned local enterprises, experiencing their operations and management. Moreover, the interactions with local industrial professionals provided a valuable platform for networking and exchanging ideas, as well as promoting cross-cultural communication. This unique and exciting educational journey provided international students the opportunity to experience the western China and integrate theoretical knowledge into practice, as well as fostered a promising cooperation with local enterprises.
Industry Exposure
One of the most significant aspects of the immersion class was the in-depth exposure to different industries and their operational processes. Professor Cai guided the students by raising questions for a more profound engagement with the industry. These questions prompted stimulating discussions among students, enabling them to share knowledge and experiences from diverse backgrounds.
Cross-Cultural Learning
The immersion class also encompassed cultural experiences. During the visits to enterprises, museum, and temple, Prof. Cai and local professionals provided historical, cultural, architectural, and structural aspects to students. Moreover, discussions between professionals and students offered an invaluable platform for learning about various aspects of Chinese culture and traditions. As international students with diverse backgrounds, these discussions were eye-opening, allowing them to explore cultural differences and appreciate the nuances that define various cultures. Additionally, these visits provided a multifaceted understanding of the rich cultural heritage of China, and deepened the appreciation of its historical significance.
Individual Growth
Another remarkable aspect of the immersion class was the opportunity to meet knowledgeable and inspiring individuals within the industry. A 70-year-old farming instructor, who radiated passion for his work and an eagerness to share his knowledge left a lasting impression on every student. His dedication and enthusiasm illuminated the importance of not solely pursuing success and financial gain but also striving to find work that genuinely inspires and positively impacts others.
Day 1: Exploring Traditional Industries
The first day in Changzhi was dedicated to visiting some prominent local enterprises, including Shougang Changzhi Steel and Iron Co., Ltd., Jinkong Power Changzhi Power Generation Co., Ltd., and Shanxi Lu'an Photovoltaics Technology Co., Ltd.. The group had the opportunity to witness the industrial technology and innovation driving the local economy.
l Shougang Changzhi Steel and Iron Co., Ltd.
IE students commenced their immersion class with a visit to Shougang Changzhi Steel and Iron Co., Ltd. (SCSI) in Shanxi Province, China. SCSI is a prominent Chinese steel manufacturing company with a rich history dating back several decades.
Upon their arrival at the company, all visitors were provided with essential safety gears followed by the overview of the company. The students were provided a comprehensive tour of the plant by the company's staff. The students were first introduced to the company's dashboard room, displaying various operational metrics of the ironmaking plant followed by the ironmaking facility, where tons of iron are extracted through various metallurgical processes. The students keenly observed the iron's progression through different stages of processing and witnessed the comprehensive process of steelmaking, from the molten, red-hot steel to the final products. The visit to SCSI provided invaluable insights for the students into materials, metallurgical processes, and mining, particularly in relation to iron, steel, and carbon.
Prof. Cai explaining the ironmaking process
Dashboard room and steelmaking plant
Group photo at Shougang Changzhi Steel and Iron Co., Ltd.
l Jinkong Power Changzhi Power Generation Co., Ltd.
The second visit took the students to Jinkong Power Changzhi Power Generation Co., Ltd. (JPCPG). JPCPG is a coal-fired power plant involved in the production, generation, and distribution of thermal electric power.
Upon reaching the power plant, the students were equipped with safety kits. They commenced their tour by first visiting the control room of the power plant, where engineers closely monitored the operational processes. Subsequently, they were guided to the top floor of the facility, where they witnessed the impressive, enclosed turbines. During this phase of the visit, the students received an informative presentation about the entire power generation process, illustrated with a 3D map of the plant. This presentation elaborated on how coal is utilized to produce electricity by pressurizing the turbines with steam and how the generated electricity is then distributed to the grid.
This visit held substantial educational value, providing the students with understandings of the intricacies of power generation. It also enlightened them about one of the methods employed for generating electrical power, and, significantly, shed light on the plant’s efforts to maximize sustainability in coal power generation to mitigate the impact of global warming.
Control room and 3D map of the plant
Electricity power generation plant and group photo
l Shanxi Lu'an Photovoltaics Technology Co., Ltd.
The final visit of the day was to Shanxi Lu'an Photovoltaics Technology Co., Ltd. (SLPT). As the name implies, the company is involved in the production of solar energy products. SLPT products include crystal silicon, silicon wafers, cells, photovoltaic(PV) modules, and more.
IE students set in motion their tour by receiving a presentation of the entire cell-making process. They were first introduced to an introductory video that provided an overview of the company and its production operations such as silicon material cleaning, drawing monocrystalline, polycrystalline silicon ingot, wafer processing, cell production, components, packaging, and power generation system, etc. Later, the staff of the company guided the students through a room where the processes were highlighted on the walls, along with samples of the materials and products placed in front of the corresponding processes.
The day concluded with a very enlightening visit, as the students learned about the realm of sustainable energy technologies, which involves highly sensitive techniques for the manufacturing of high-tech solar panels, cells, PV modules, and more.
Exhibition room and group photo at Shanxi Lu'an Photovoltaics Technology Co., Ltd.
Day 2: Delving into Emerging Industries
On the second day, the immersion class continued its exploration by visiting Zhendong Health Industry Group and Shanxi High-Tech Huaye Electronic Group Co., Ltd.. These visits allowed the international students to gain valuable knowledge of healthcare and technology sectors, shedding light on the region's industrial diversity.
l Zhendong Health Industry Group
Established in 1993, Zhendong Health Industry Group went public in 2011 through its IPO, specializing in chemical and traditional Chinese medicines. The company's food brand, Wuhe, gained international recognition, making it the first listed company in Shanxi province. During the immersion class, students had the opportunity to visit the factory and observe the production process of traditional Chinese medicines.
Students were first taken to a spacious room where plenty of herbal medicines were showcased, each tagged with informative descriptions. Following this, the students were introduced to some of the traditional products as alternatives to unhealthy products. These products were attractively packaged to encourage consumers to buy them at first glance. Subsequently, the students were given the opportunity to visit the medicine production line, including sieving and sorting, washing and drying, chopping and grinding, and packaging. The processes of each product are conducted independently to avoid contamination. In the end, the group met the CEO of the company, who discussed his vision and ideas for growing the company to greater heights.
This visit was unique as it differed from the typical engineering and technological visits. It was purely related to pharmaceutical management, providing students with unconventional knowledge about the pharmaceutical world, particularly in the context of traditional Chinese medicines.
Students tasting the traditional products
Students observing sieving and sorting process
Meeting with the CEO
Group photo
l Shanxi High-Tech Huaye Electronic Group Co., Ltd.
This enterprise was founded in 2013, possessing an extensive supply chain within the LED industry, which includes LED packaging, displays, injection molding, and various other components.
The general manager of the plant introduced the students about the company by taking students to each section of the plant. Initially, students were taken through the production line of the LED manufacturing. The production line was semi-automatic as less labor was involved in any stage of the production. Students also visited the showroom where some prototypes of the newly made products were displayed. Finally, students were brought to another production line where high-tech intricate displays were manufactured. The general manager explained each and every step of the production to the students.
This visit was significant for the industrial engineering students as it provided students the opportunity of observing high technological machinery and the management involved in the production blend by the machines and human under the same roof.
Prof. Cai explaining the LED production line to the students
Group photo
Day 3: Agriculture, Culture, and History
The third day started with a visit to a facility agriculture project in Guoyuan Village, and then explored the New Agro-Source Plant Factory and experienced the vibrant atmosphere of Yifen Market. This offered a glimpse into sustainable and modern farming practices. The day concluded with a visit to the Changzhi Museum, immersing the students in the city's rich history and culture.
l Guoyuan Village
On the third day, the first visit was to Guoyuan Village, one of the villages renowned for its modern agriculture facilities. The facility employs modern techniques and tools to create an agriculture-friendly atmosphere in the localized area, expediting plant growth and enhancing plant quality.
The tour commenced with the students gathering inside the facility, which was designed to provide a feasible and tunable atmosphere for the plants. As the students walked through the numerous alleys of plants extending far within a single facility, they were first shown a general facility where different kinds of plants were harvested. Subsequently, they were introduced to other specialized facilities for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The staff explained that they maintain the atmosphere not only during the growing season but also during off-season periods by adjusting parameters such as humidity, temperature, and light using fans for ventilation, shades for light intensity control, and water sprays to regulate dew quantity. Students were struck by the contrast between the controlled environment inside the facility and the external environment. As a finale, they were treated with a taste of the facility's produce.
This visit instilled in the students a new perspective on how China has been able to minimize land wastage through effective management and technological expertise, while maintaining the same level of output. This visit was a valuable learning experience for international students.
Agriculture facilities of Guoyuan Village
The group tasting the fresh produce
Group photo
l New Agro-Source Plant Factory
This visit followed a similar pattern to the previous one, but the facility was equipped with more advanced technology. The New Agro-Source Plant Factory utilizes LED artificial light and soilless cultivation technology to produce high-caliber plants, which are subsequently employed in various specialized applications.
Upon arrival, the group were greeted by the CEO, who personally introduced them to the factory's operations. The first stop was an art gallery-style museum dedicated to agriculture, which showcased the factory's vision and various agricultural products. Next, the group watched an introductory video that offered an overview of the factory's facilities and processes. They were then led to the enclosed high-tech agricultural green room, where they observed soilless vertical farming techniques that minimize land usage. The students received a detailed explanation of the principles and theories behind these advancements, accompanied by graphs demonstrating the improved performance achieved through vertical farming. Afterward, they strolled through the aisles of plants, each cultivated in a specialized solution tailored to its specific needs.
The visit provided an in-depth understanding of the factory's innovative approach to agriculture, which combines cutting-edge technology with data-driven decision-making. Students observed how the factory utilizes sensors and light spectrum to optimize crop growth, minimize resource consumption, and maximize yield.
Visiting plant farming facility and soilless agriculture in Yuzhuang
The group tasting the fresh lettuce
Group photo
l Yifen Market
Yifen Market is a general project of Qianyuan Culture Media Co., Ltd. The students were immersed in a vibrant display of local traditional and cultural products. To enhance their understanding of past China, recreations of traditional tools and products were showcased. The visit concluded with a delightful tea ceremony, followed by a captivating documentary that delved into the time-honoured process of papermaking.
Students experiencing the Chinese calligraphy and stamps
Group photos at Yifen Market
l Changzhi Museum
The group visited the Changzhi Museum in the afternoon of the final day of the Changzhi visit. It is a comprehensive museum that houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that span the history of the region, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's collection includes pottery, bronzes, jades, paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures. It also has a library and an auditorium.
The tour commenced with a knowledgeable staff member of the museum providing an overview of the diverse collections meticulously preserved from various dynasties. Guided by the museum staff, the group traversed through the galleries showcasing artifacts from different dynasties and encompassing a wide range of exhibits. Notably, holographic technology was employed to present objects that were challenging to display using traditional methods. The students were informed about the distinctive characteristics of pottery from various dynasties, including the number of supporting legs, the type of material used, and the unique textures adorning each piece.
The group learning the history of Changzhi
Day 4: Taiyuan's Cultural Treasure
After the enriching experiences in Changzhi, the group headed to Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province.
l Jinci Temple
On the fourth day of the journey, the group visited Jinci Temple, a historical and cultural treasure dating back over a thousand years. The temple provided a window into China's rich heritage and spiritual traditions.
Professor Cai, with his deep knowledge of history, provided insightful explanations about the temple, the surrounding ancient sculptures, and the gates. The students were enthralled to learn that the temple houses a wealth of artifacts and relics, including ancient bronze statues, stone monuments, and exquisite calligraphy pieces. These treasures depict China's rich history and culture. The students also explored the three national treasures: the Saint Mother’s Hall, the Flying Bridge across the Fish Pond, and the Offerings Hall.
Gate of Jinci Temple
Prof. Cai demonstrating the national treasures of Jinci Temple to students
Group photo
The educational immersion class was an enriching and transformative experience that offered a holistic perspective on industry practices, cross-cultural exchange, and individual growth. Professor Cai's guidance, the exposure to different industries, encounters with inspiring individuals, and cultural immersion all contributed to making this trip truly invaluable. Supported wholeheartedly by the local government, the immersion class served as a testament to the growing ties between government and university, and the importance of firsthand experiences in fostering cross-cultural relationships and mutual appreciation. Sincere gratitude is extended to the local government, enterprises, and all those involved individuals for their pivotal role in ensuring the success of this immersion class!
“The immersion class in Changzhi combined practical industrial know-how and Chinese cultural aspects and heritage in such an exquisite way that made the experience of the whole trip memorable. Witnessing first-hand diverse industrial processes (steel, electric, Chinese medicine, LED, indoor farming…) was a way to apprehend what I learned in class and bridge it with what is happening in the real world. The cultural visit also forged my understanding of Chinese history and how the advent of different technologies and innovations have propelled Chinese people the world’s front line.”
——Aubin Guetin(奥斌), 2022 GM Program
Group photo in Changzhi
Writers: Sirinchaya Vachirabanchong, Ibtisam Ahmed Khan, Rui Lu
Photographers: Haitao Wang, Hongting Lai
Reviewers: Haitao Wang, Liang Ma, Lefei Li
