On a high-speed train bound for Beijing on April 1, 2021, a junior from Sun Yat-sen University was engrossed in reading the pamphlet for Yenching Academy’s summer camp, paying no attention to the landscapes flashing past outside. Believing she would see “light at the end of the tunnel,” Yang Xinying was determined to give it her best try. In her eyes, embarking on a journey meant inevitably arriving at a destination, like a train that may slow down or speed up along its route.

Xinying joined the Academy in autumn 2022 and immediately found herself intellectually nourished. She delved deeper into the cultural fabrics of ancient and modern China in her Field Study trips. She forged strong ties of friendship with fellow students from China and all over the world in everyday contacts. And she accessed to a larger world in her study in France.

An Academic Novice Who Learned Extensively

Xinying studied in the undergraduate program for French Language and Literature at Sun Yat-sen University and was selected for the university’s Excellence in Foreign Language Program to minor in English. Through courses such as “Selected Readings from British and American Literature” and “English Translation of Chinese Classics,” Xinying applied diversified paradigms of literary studies from the Department of English to her studies of French literature. She was also introduced to the translation works of Sinologists, which laid a theoretical foundation for her future studies in Yenching Academy’s China Studies program.

Xinying broadened her academic perspective and developed an interest in comparative literature and intercultural studies. She read extensively across Chinese and foreign classics, learning from experts in Chinese classics translation and the history of Sino-foreign literary exchange.

Initially, Peking University and Yenching Academy seemed out of reach to Xinying. She was unsure if she could handle an English-taught program or pursue her research interests in French literature. However, a strong curiosity for the unknown motivated her to apply for Yenching Academy—a decision she kept secret at the time.

Touching on China Studies for the first time in her university-level, award-winning BA thesis, “A Study of China Image Construction in Intercultural Communication Outside China in the Late Qing Dynasty: On Chen Jitong’s Les Chinois Peints Par Eux-Mêmes,” Yang Xinying embarked on a journey to uncover “figures and events left in the cracks of history.” She later expanded this Chen Jitong-related topic into her Chinese-written MA dissertation, “Perceptions and Practice: The Late-Qing Diplomat Chen Jitong (1851–1907) and His Cross-Cultural Literary Writing.”

At Sun Yat-sen University, Xinying took an elective course titled “Literary Studies from an Interdisciplinary Perspective,” where she explored the intersections of literature with music, medicine, and law. Through the course’s assigned readings, she reflected on the subtle connections between real-world legal systems and literary expressions. Particularly moved by Kafka’s The Trial and its portrayal of the tension between law and humanity, she described feeling a profound “vibration at heart.” In her English interview for YCA, she explained her perspective on interdisciplinary literary studies: “Literature reveals humanity and the logic of how a society functions; it always forces us to think about things beyond ethics in reality.” Xinying remains grateful to her teachers, who served as life models and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of writing and expression.

With the rigorous academic training she received at the School of Foreign Languages at Sun Yat-sen University, Xinying fully embraced YCA’s bilingual, interdisciplinary, and intercultural program. Inspired by her alma mater’s motto, “Taking a foothold in China and a viewpoint of the world,” she continues to explore the relationship between China and the wider world.

Seeking Truth in the Fertile Land for Thoughts

Passionate about the humanities in every sense, Yang Xinying carefully selected courses that aligned with her research interests during her university years. She felt intellectually nourished like never before as she immersed herself in the thought-provoking study and life at Peking University.

At Yenching Academy, Yang Xinying attended a range of English-taught humanities courses, including:

• "History of the Field: Sinology and China Studies from a Global Perspective"
  Instructor: YCA Associate Dean Brent Haas

• "Chinese and Western Comparative Philosophy"
  Instructor: Prof. Roger T. Ames, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Peking University

• "Critical Conceptions of Chinese Thought"
  Instructor: Prof. Cheng Lesong, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Peking University

• "Chinese Classics and Thought: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism"
  Instructor: Prof. Lu Yang, Department of History, Peking University

• "Reading Classical Chinese Literature"
  Instructor: Hong Yue, Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts, Renmin University

Thanks to the Academy’s flexible course selection system, Xinying also selected courses taught in Chinese from other PKU departments, including:

• "Twentieth-century Western Literary Theories"
  Instructor: Prof. Zhang Pei, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University

• "Comparative Poetry"
  Instructor: Prof. Zhang Hui, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University

• "Literature and Intellectual History"
  Instructor: Prof. Zhang Hui, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University

• "History of Modern Chinese Literature as a Subject"
  Instructor: Prof. Chen Pingyuan, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University

• "Theories of World Literature"
  Instructor: Prof. Zhao Baisheng, School of Foreign Languages, Peking University

She felt at ease learning extensive knowledge and grew steadier for her research interest and MA dissertation topic and writing.

Thanks to the course “History of the Field: Sinology and China Studies from a Global Perspective”, Xinying took new insights into China Studies as a subject and into the relationship between Sinology and China Studies, while becoming less confused by the identity myth. The course goes along the timeline of global history of Sinology and China Studies, from French Sinology, British Protestant missionaries in China Studies, and American area studies and China Studies, to Japanese Sinology and China Studies, as well as academic critiques on and new trends of area studies. Drawing on her insights into the relationship between Chinese and French literature, Xinying’s presentation for the course focuses on the possibilities of comparative literature in China Studies. With Haas’s instruction, Xinying wrote the paper “Transitions of Academic Concerns in Shifting Positions: The Journey of Tang Poetry to France in the 18th–20th Centuries”, examining translations of Tang poems by Chinese nationals living in France and stressing the major contributions of France-based Chinese academics, including Chen Jitong, Luo Dagang, and Xu Zhongnian, to the international communication of Chinese culture.

During their two-year program at the Academy, a Yenching Scholar receives both course instruction and thesis advising. In this dual-mentorship system, Xinying could study with Prof Zhang Hui and Assistant Professor Gao Ji of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Comparative Culture, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University. In her first year at Yenching Academy, Xinying attended Prof Zhang Hui’s “Comparative Poetry” and “Literature and Intellectual History” courses, on which she had an intensive reading of Liu Xie’s Wenxin diaolong (A Chinese Literary Mind) and Erich Auerbach’s Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature. For Xinying, it was like a time-travel shuffling between Chinese and Western literature, and she filled in the blank in her map of knowledge. Enchanted by the beauty of comparative literature and guided by her teacher, Xinying developed a clearer understanding of what constitutes 'good comparative literature studies.' Such studies, she realized, must be grounded in classics that continue to provoke thought and engage with current issues from historical and intellectual perspectives.

Xinying submitted her research proposal to Gao Ji laoshi in May 2023, intending to focus her MA dissertation on a deeper examination of the relationship between Chinese and French literature, centering on Chen Jitong’s experience and achievements.

A scholar with rigorous, systematic academic training in China, France, and the United States, Gao laoshi gave pertinent suggestions on Xinying’s research proposal—from the title, significance of research questions, structure, articulation, to language, helping Xinying make good arrangement of the dissertation with fully-stated arguments. What’s more, at Gao laoshi’s suggestion, Xinying paid visits to the former site of the Institut Franco-Chinois de Lyon (French-Chinese Institute in Lyon) and to the Municipal Library of Lyon during her exchange trip to Lyon. She not only had access to important primary sources for her research, but also immersed herself in the rich historical, literary, and art legacies of the city.

After Xinying returned from her exchange trip, Gao laoshi continued to follow every step Xinying made for her dissertation and gave many precious suggestions, paying attention to every detail, even the format of footnotes and bibliography. Xinying was deeply moved and greatly encouraged by Gao laoshi’s meticulous scholarship.

Outside her curriculum and MA dissertation, Yang Xinying collaborated with fellow students Emma Ferguson and Alex Meyers on the Dean’s Research Grant project. Together, they co-authored the English-language paper 'The Translation of Chinese Literature and Translators’ Identities: A Case Study on Lao She’s Journey to the English-Speaking World.' The project began in their first year at the Academy, when they discovered a shared interest in literary translation and cross-lingual writing. In their paper, they compared four English translations of Lao She’s renowned work Luotuo Xiangzi, analyzing how translators' identities and motivations shape their interpretations. The paper concludes that translators and scholars are inevitably influenced by the historical context, their education, and their cultural identities, which in turn affect both translations and academic narratives. Additionally, the authors argue that researchers cannot fully detach from their own personal biases when analyzing their subjects, as these biases inevitably impact their interpretations. Ultimately, examining the past provides valuable insights into our current mindset and actions.

"Xinying’s two papers—'Transitions of Academic Concerns in Shifting Positions: The Journey of Tang Poetry to France in the 18th–20th Centuries', supervised by Brent Haas, and 'The Translation of Chinese Literature and Translators’ Identities: A Case Study on Lao She’s Journey to the English-Speaking World', from the Dean’s Research Grant project—were published in Scholarly Symphony: Young Voices from the Yenching Classroom, a volume commemorating the tenth anniversary of Yenching Academy."

Forging Friendships at Yenching Academy and Beyond

Yenching Academy is a community where students from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to engage in meaningful discussions and debates. They immerse themselves in both academic and campus life, making valuable observations about cultural differences. Chinese students refine their English-language skills while gaining insights into global perspectives, while international students deepen their understanding of China through high-quality Chinese-language education at Peking University.

Upon returning from an exchange trip to France, Xinying was impressed by the significant progress her international peers had made in their Chinese-language proficiency. She believes many of them will go on to become influential figures in the field of China Studies.

The YCA China Studies program is distinguished by its emphasis on field studies. Xinying participated in study trips to Shanghai, Sichuan, and Chongqing for the course "China in Transition". She also took an active role in the Yenching Global Symposium in Hainan. During Prof. Lu Yang’s course "Chinese Classics and Thought: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism", Xinying and her classmates traveled to Linyi and Tai’an, gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity in China.

Throughout these trips, Xinying and her peers created lasting memories, visiting landmarks along the Huangpu, Minjiang, and Jinjiang Rivers, as well as the Riyue Bay and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The study trips strengthened their bonds, fostering close friendships. Xinying fondly remembers the busy yet enriching months of April and May 2023.

Together with Jae, Caitlin, and Qianren, Xinying traveled to Shandong in a study trip led by Prof. Lu Yang. In Shanghai, she explored historic lanes with Emma, Yihang, and Lucyna, and experienced a “time-travel” moment with Alex at the Leslie Cheung 20th Anniversary Exhibition. Xinying enjoyed moments of peaceful leisure, sitting by the sea with Siyuan, Zhijie, and Yihang, and relished a roadside barbecue feast with Meggie and Kathy before watching a spectacular firework display on the beach.

Introverted and shy, Xinying initially worried about adjusting to life at the Academy, which seemed to be a place for sociable “elites.” However, upon arriving, she quickly felt relieved and at ease. At Yenching Academy, everyone is encouraged to be themselves, with no stereotypes or boundaries between introverts and extroverts. Like young people everywhere, the students experience both joy and confusion, but what stands out is their intellectual sharpness combined with a deep warmth and humanity. With cultural empathy, they are able to see beyond differences and recognize the commonalities that unite them, which fosters strong, meaningful friendships.

Xinying has been nourished by these friendships with like-minded peers and project partners. During her two years at the Academy, they shared moments of happiness and supported each other through challenges. She cherishes every moment spent with her friends; together, they grew stronger and braver through candid, warm conversations. They were never afraid to share their feelings and emotions.

Through these experiences, Xinying has developed a deep faith in the goodness of human nature. She is increasingly committed to cultivating connections that are rooted in goodwill. She is profoundly grateful for the enriching and transformative experiences she has had at Yenching Academy.

Studying in France and Looking at a Wider World

Hoping to make her dream a reality, Xinying applied for an exchange program at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS) in France through the exchange projects organized by the PKU Office of International Relations. ENS is an elite French public institution renowned for its focus on the humanities. For Xinying, attending French-taught courses in France was a challenge, but she was determined to rekindle her French skills. At first, she struggled to follow the lectures, but after several months, she was able to participate comfortably in seminars and take notes in shorthand, switching seamlessly between Chinese and French. Her French listening skills improved significantly as well.

In France, higher education institutions frequently co-organized lab-based lectures and seminars. Xinying, along with a fellow Chinese student from the exchange program (a PhD student majoring in French), attended the seminar “Female Messengers in the World Republic of Letters (1759–1950).” This seminar, co-organized by the Institute of History of Representations and Ideas in Modernities (IHRIM) and the Comparative Studies and Research Center on Creative Arts, gave Xinying an opportunity to explore the integration of gender studies with the skills required for literary history research. She also attended exhibitions and seminars marking the 30th anniversary of the Institute of East Asian Studies (IAO), where she examined the patterns of East Asian and China Studies in France.

Xinying often reflected on how Chinese people might understand their own country just as foreign scholars do, due to the barriers between segmented academic disciplines. She believes that Chinese scholars can find inspiration in the approaches of foreign academics working in China Studies, learning both research methods and new ways of framing topics.

During her stay in France, Xinying traveled to the south, where she lost herself in the beauty of the sunset and afterglow in Nice, and soaked up the summer heat in Cannes. She visited Paris frequently, becoming immersed in its literary and artistic legacies. In the spirit of Hemingway’s "A Moveable Feast," Xinying explored iconic locations such as the Centre Pompidou, the National Library of France, and various bookstores. In Casanova’s "World Republic of Letters," Paris holds a central position as the literary capital, a place where everyone is drawn to for the unique questions and answers they may find there.

During her exchange, Xinying began her doctoral application. After carefully reviewing Paris-based mentors involved in China Studies and comparative literature, she reached out to Professor Victor Vuilleumier, a specialist in Modern Chinese Literature at the Institut National des Langues et Civilizations Orientales (INALCO). In his prompt response, Prof. Vuilleumier provided valuable feedback on Xinying’s research proposal. In September 2024, Xinying returned to France to begin her doctoral studies. Her research focuses on the relationship between Chinese and French literature, approached from interdisciplinary perspectives including modern Chinese literature, comparative literature, overseas Sinology, and China Studies. Her case study will examine the work of overseas Chinese in France in the 1930s, exploring how they merged classical and modern, Chinese and foreign elements in their bilingual translation and literary practices to produce a unique modernity in literature.

At the French Research Institute on East Asia (IFRAE), Xinying hopes to gain further insights from existing studies and engage with fellow researchers interested in China and literature. She is eager to demonstrate the sharp questions and concerns that characterize her generation. Xinying sees her time at INALCO as a means to broaden her perspective, allowing her to move beyond self-centered narratives and view East Asia and the East as a whole from a broader, Western viewpoint.

Xinying has always treasured her experience at Yenching Academy, where the dialogues with teachers and peers, intercultural practices, and integration of theory and practice have helped her develop self-reflexivity and cultural empathy. To Xinying, pursuing a doctoral degree is just one of many options in life; it does not guarantee a “bright future,” but rather serves as a way to address the lingering questions in one’s mind. She hopes that younger students will truly enjoy their scholarship years and prepare themselves, both mentally and practically, to pursue and create the life they wish to live.