From September 7 to 20, 2026, international students of China University of Geosciences (CUG) successfully completed a two-week geological field excursion at the Zigui Science and Education Base.
Orientation meeting
On September 7, an orientation meeting was held at Zigui Science and Education Base. The supervising professors briefed on the geological overview of the Zigui field area, route arrangements and safety regulations. All teachers and students received their equipment, including geological hammers, compasses, hand lenses, field bags, safety helmets and reflective vests, as well as essential outdoor medicines. Prof. XU Yadong and Prof. LI Hui also learned each student's academic background and research direction to provide precise guidance in the subsequent teaching.
Integrated field teachings
The field excursion included seven parts: rock sample description and collection, structural geological analysis, observation of standard stratigraphic sections, geological disaster prevention and control, and the development and conservation of geological resources, forming a complete field teaching chain of "basic observation — structural analysis — comprehensive application".
Field Teaching at G348 Xiling Gorge Geoscience Corridor
Field Teaching at Lianziya Geological Observation Site
Field Teaching at Luojiakou Geological Observation Site
During the field excursion, international students worked along the field geological sections, observing, measuring and recording the lithological characteristics and structural features of the strata from the ancient basement to the Cenozoic. They collected rock specimens, identified fossils and minerals, and carefully analyzed folds, faults and sedimentary environments, discussing with one another, verifying their observations and consulting their supervising teachers.
Using a handheld XRF analyzer to measure the elemental contents of the samples
Discussing geological questions
Summary and Commendation meeting
On September 19, a summary and commendation meeting was held at the base. The supervising teachers gave a summary of the two-week field work and acknowledged the resilience the international students had shown in the face of language barriers and professional challenges. Two doctoral students from International Education College, AHMED MOHAMED ABDALLAH IBRAHIM (majoring in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering) and KHAN MUSA (majoring in Geology), were named Outstanding Trainees. “The field excursion is not only professional training but also an opportunity to get to know China's mountains and rivers,” said Prof. Yadong. Prof. LI Hui encouraged the students to turn the records in their field notebooks into motivation for continued exploration.
Outstanding Trainees awarding
