Students of a cycling course offered by the Peking University Summer School International 2023 pose for a group photo in front of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing, capital of China, July 13, 2023. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Aug. 22  -- For Eleanor Grace Ellsworth, a college student from the United States, her recent experience of cycling across the Central Axis of Beijing was just like a time travel trip which brought her into close contact with the rich history and culture of the Chinese capital.

"It has been really fascinating! This class was a good opportunity to actually explore the city," said Ellsworth, from Rhodes College in Memphis.

Ellsworth was among a group of students from different countries who joined a cycling course offered by the Peking University Summer School International 2023. During the course, which lasted a month, students had the opportunity to gain cycling knowledge and skills, while joining cycle tours to explore the ancient charms of Beijing.

"We hope that students from all over the world can experience the long history of the ancient capital, including the grandeur of royal architecture, and explore the beauty of the city from different perspectives," said course lecturer Lu Fuquan, who is an associate professor.

A total of 51 students from seven countries and regions, including China, Sweden, Australia and Malaysia, have joined the course.