Exploring Earth Together: CUHK Students Shine in the 2025 Wutai-Hengshan International Geological Field Practicum
(Undergraduate field course: EESC4119 Advanced Geosciences Field Study I)
By Miss Chenyan WU & Professor Yan ZHAN
Photos by Miss Yiyang Liu, Mr. Lung Hoi Wang, Miss Chenyan WU and Professor Yan ZHAN, ,
From 23rd June to 2nd July, 2025, 10 CUHK students, led by EESC4119 Advanced Geosciences Field Study I course teacher, Professor Yan Zhan, participated in the 2025 Wutaishan-Hengshan International Geological Field Excursion, organized by Peking University, China, with participation from Mahidol University, Thailand.
Over the 10-day programme, the students travelled from the northern Hengshan Mountains to Wutai in the south of Shanxi Province. Along the route, they closely observed geological outcrops and landscapes, conducted detailed analyses of tectonic structures, and studied the geological evolution of this region.
The CUHK students demonstrated a strong academic foundation, meticulous observation skills, and enthusiasm for fieldwork. Their active participation, critical thinking, and passion for learning earned them high praise and recognition from the professors at Peking University.
Students examining geological outcrops and features
What Is the Wutai-Hengshan Geological Field Practicum?
The Wutai-Hengshan Geological Field Excursion, launched by Peking University in 2000’s, is an interdisciplinary, field-based teaching programme focused on structural geology, petrology, and field research in metamorphic rock regions. Since 2011, the programme has included participants from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), transforming it into an international field excursion.
Held in the Wutai-Hengshan region of Shanxi Province, the programme explores key geological sites such as the Hengshan Mountains, the Hutuo River Valley, and the UNESCO-listed Wutai Mountain Geopark. Students participate in field observations, group projects, discussions, and presentations, bridging theory and practice while enhancing their practical skills and fostering innovative thinking.
This year, a team of instructors from Peking University, CUHK, and Mahidol University guided students through seven routes and 34 observation points. Participants analyzed rock types, mineral assemblages, and tectonic structures, deepening their geological knowledge and refining their fieldwork abilities.
Fieldwork and Teamwork
During the field trip, students carried out detailed observations of rocks and structures in various field settings. They focused on analyzing the mineral composition, rock types, metamorphic grades, and structural features, as well as measuring rock layer data to create geological cross-section diagrams.
Professor ZHAN Yan explains the geological background and key observation features at the field site.
Observing the volcanic rocks along roadsides
Climbing for Observing
Exploring valleys for Observing
Conducting field observations during rainy conditions (Professor ZHANG Jinjiang explaining the geological features to the students).
After returning from the field, students worked in groups to organize their findings. They reconstructed the geological history and evolution of the area using mineral phase analysis, stress analysis, and cross-section interpretation. Group presentations were conducted every two days to share insights and refine their understanding.
Professor Jinjiang ZHANG from Peking University and Professor Yan ZHAN from CUHK answer students’ questions.
This combination of intensive fieldwork and collaborative group discussions not only improved students’ analytical and scientific thinking skills but also helped them build lasting friendships with peers from different universities.
Bonding Through International Cooperation
On 1st July, the field excursion held a summary presentation meeting to mark the conclusion of the programme. Each group presented a detailed summary of their learning achievements and academic discoveries from the practicum. They explored topics of interest through in-depth explanations and discussions, while teachers provided thoughtful and constructive feedback on their work.
As part of the event, representatives from Peking University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Mahidol University in Thailand exchanged souvenirs, symbolizing the friendships and collaboration fostered during the programme.
Professor Yan ZHAN (left) presents a gift to Professor Chunjing WEI (right) from Peking University.
Professor Yan ZHAN (left) presents a gift to Professor Apivua (right), the lead teacher from Mahidol University in Thailand
With this, the ten-day Wutai-Hengshan International Joint Geological Excursion came to a successful and memorable conclusion.
