2025 Worldwide Energy University Network - Summer Geological Expedition Camp in Junggar Basin was successfully held at CUPK from August 1st to 14th. Fourteen energy major teachers, Ph.D students and bachelors from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan participated in this program. They completed an in-depth journey integrating geological exploration, cultural experience, and friendship exchange.

A Dynamic Start to the Expedition

On August 1st, Li Jun, president of CUPK, and Xu Changliang, deputy secretary of the CPC CUPK committee attended the opening ceremony. In the welcoming address, Li Jun pointed out that Junggar Basin contains rich mineral resources like petroleum and gas, and emphasized that the summer camp was not only an exploratory journey of geological knowledge but also a valuable opportunity to deepen friendship and exchange knowledge. Moreover, he stressed that campers should devote themselves wholeheartedly to study and practice in order to promote professional knowledge and scientific literacy, and to experience the openness and vitality of China's higher education. He encouraged everyone to become important bridges for spreading friendship and telling the true, multi-dimensional story of China to the world.

During the ceremony, Li Jun granted flags to the representatives of campers.

Liang Fei, lecturer and project leader of the summer school, provided a detailed introduction to the activity arrangements and conducted safety training. The subsequent ice-breaking activities brought the campers from different countries closer, laying a solid foundation for future group collaboration.

Highlights of the Geological Expedition

Throughout the 14-day expedition, campers went to several key sites around the Junggar Basin for systematic geological and energy-related research. Notable academic highlights and detailed exposures include:

Dushanzi mud volcanoes in the southern Junggar Basin: Formed approximately 3 million years ago, this geological feature was built up by eruptions of mud and natural gas and is closely linked to the formation of the Dushanzi Oil Field.

Baiyanggou Mud Volcanos: The world's largest group of mud volcanoes.

Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Features extensive geological records and prominent Danxia and canyon landscapes.

Devi City: A representative Yardang landform with global-class fossil sites, and the wind-carved stones resemble the remnants of an ancient city and different animals.

Manas Salt Lake: A scenic lake rich in salt, mirabilite, and potash—Xinjiang's second-largest salt production site.

Black Oil Hill: It is a group of asphalt mounds formed by oil spilling over years in the Triassic system of Karamay Oilfield.

China National Petroleum Corporation Xinjiang Oilfield Branch：Visited its laboratory and core sample repository.

This 14-day expedition transcended the conventional internship model, offering participants a transformative journey of deep Earth dialogue and future-shaping collaboration with international peers.

A Forward-Looking Finale

On August 14th, Xu Changliang attended the closing ceremony and spoke highly of the campers' performance. He noted that the campers had showed the spirit of "openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual exchange" through their actions. He expressed his hope that the campers would become youth ambassadors to promote cooperation in energy, education, and technology under the Belt and Road Initiative.

This 14-day summer camp has been an unforgettable journey of knowledge acquisition, cultural exchange, and friendship building for all campers. It leaves every participant with cherished memories. The campers promised to promote ongoing friendship and collaboration between the Worldwide Energy University Network and CUPK.

In the future, based on the geological advantages and industry-university-research foundation, CUPK will continually enhance the academic content and practical experience of summer camps. It will further deepen the network of international educational cooperation, expand the depth and breadth of geological research, and actively integrate cutting-edge technology into practical teaching.

Through optimizing this program, CUPK aims to cultivate more outstanding international and interdisciplinary geological talents for global energy field. At the same time, it will build a stronger bridge for promoting educational cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and enhancing international friendship.