Dear Mum and Dad,
Greetings from the beautiful city of Hangzhou! I’m thrilled to attend summer school at Zhejiang Gongshang University, immersed in the rich history and culture surrounding the stunning West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.
From my journey here, I’ve embraced sustainable travel principles to honor the environment and local communities (https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/benefits-of-sustainable-tourism). I packed lightly and chose public transport over taxis, reducing my carbon footprint (https://your.yale.edu/work-yale/campus-services/travel/sustainable-travel-tips). I brought reuseable bottles and bags to cut down plastic waste, and I’m staying at a guesthouse hotel that practices water and energy conservation. The local markets and eateries offer delicious, seasonal Chinese dishes, supporting the community and reducing long-distance food transport emissions.
My lessons cover fascinating topics from Chinese philosophy and Kung Fu to art and architecture highlighting harmony with nature, which resonates deeply with my sustainable travel approach. Exploring the scenic beauty on foot or bike makes every experience more authentic and eco-friendly (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-to-travel-better-a-beginners-guide-to-sustainable-travel-in-2023-and-beyond).
This trip is not just about learning but also about protecting our planet as outlined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I feel proud knowing my choices contribute to a cleaner world and that I’m part of a global effort toward sustainable tourism (https://www.un.org/en/our-work/support-sustainable-development-and-climate-action).
Can’t wait to share more stories when I’m back!
Love,
Salma
