Rep of ASU to Go to China to Research

Mikhail Valov from the Department of Geology & Geography of Astrakhan State University has become one of the ten young Russian specialists who have completed a practical research program in North-Eastern China.

The national contest to take part in the research and educational program was announced by the Russian and the Chinese Geographical Societies this summer. It aimed to identify young people who strive to develop and enhance their knowledge of Geography, as well as make interaction between Russia’s and China’s research communities more efficient, involve young people in preservation of North-Eastern China’s natural and cultural heritage.

During their trip to China, the young researchers learnt about the foreign methods and techniques of research; they studied natural, cultural, and ethnographic features of North-Eastern China. Their program also included meetings with well-known researchers of China, with whom they could exchange experience and discuss topical issues.

On their first day, they visited Beijing. After an excursion up and down the city, they met Ms. Zhang Guoyou, who heads China’s Geographical Society. Her research and educational program took place in the city of Changchun. The Russian specialist took part in a symposium where China’s leading scholars spoke. They told about sustainable development of North-Eastern China from the viewpoint of prospects of the digital economy development; they also emphasized importance of the observation and empiric methods in geographical research.

In Changchun, our people visited the Museum of Areal Planning; they also visited the Changbai National Park in Yanji, whose staff told them about this natural preserve. Every year about 25, 000 people visit this Park. They also climbed the Changbai Mountain, which is over 2.5 km high. During several days, our people took part in an observation expedition with their Chinese colleagues, who are preparing their reports to compare the nature of China and Russia.

At the end of their trip to China, our people visited its Great Wall, as well as Beijing. They met their Chinese colleagues and discussed further cooperation with them. Besides, they gave their reports related to their expedition, to the Chinese scientific community.