“Dunhuang Youth Internship Program” Lecture: Cultural Ambassadors Share Their Desert Experiences
The “Youth and Sports Bureau Mainland Specialized Internship Program – Dunhuang Youth Internship Program 2026” information session was held on March 17 at Renmin University’s campus. Two cultural ambassadors shared their internship experiences and insights from Dunhuang with students from Renmin University’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature, helping them understand the program’s details.
Ling Enbo, a second-year intern from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, shared that during the first three weeks of the internship, he had to study and memorize a large amount of Dunhuang-related material to prepare for his role as a tour guide. He recalled encountering many interesting situations during the internship, such as a group of scholars and experts posing as ordinary tourists and asking the interns many technical questions. Fortunately, he remembered the content from his classes and was able to handle the basic inquiries.
Speaking about the work of a tour guide, Ling noted that in addition to acquiring professional knowledge, the experience also enhanced his personal skills. He described himself as naturally introverted and nervous about speaking in front of large groups, but through continuous training, he eventually gained the confidence to lead tours for large crowds of strangers. He also mentioned that his social life during the internship was rich, including visits to Dunhuang’s attractions and gaining insights into the diverse landscapes of different regions in China. The daily life there was also vastly different from Hong Kong—for instance, the sun rises at 6 a.m. and sets at 9 p.m., and every morning upon waking, he could see the vast expanse of the desert.
Another fourth-year intern from the University of Hong Kong, Huang Jingqi, described the internship experience as extremely fulfilling. She spent her days studying at the Mogao Caves from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with her internship duties including giving guided tours at the cave entrances and leading groups through eight caves. As a desert city, Dunhuang is arid year-round, but Huang noted that during her two months there, she experienced three consecutive days of torrential rain—a truly unforgettable experience. Other memorable experiences included watching the sunrise at Mingsha Mountain, trying “thrill sandboarding,” and visiting local art museums. She concluded by recommending that students interested in Dunhuang culture use the Dunhuang Academy’s free resource “Digital Dunhuang” to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the caves.
Students who have the opportunity to intern there will be able to visit and learn about conservation efforts—including the preservation of grottoes, murals, and the environment—observe field archaeology work, and engage with local scholars. Interns will also have the chance to put their knowledge into practice, such as serving as trainee docents at the Mogao Caves to guide visitors and promote Dunhuang culture.
