MACAO -- On Tuesday, nearly 150 secondary school students from the Macao Special Administrative Region began a field study in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, located just across the river from Macao in southern China.

Their journey started at the Hengqin National Wetland Park. Riding bicycles, the students were put into seven routes to visit several places, such as the Hengqin Government Affairs Service Center, the Enterprise and Talent Service Center of the in-depth cooperation zone, and the Macao New Neighborhood in Hengqin.

He Cheng, the principal of Kao Yip Middle School, said the program aims to let the students learn, think, and contribute their energy to integrating Hengqin and Macao. "Youthful minds matter."

Under the guidance of the teachers, the students prepared 22 research projects for this year's program. The projects covered various aspects of the cooperation zone, including its economy, technology, livelihood, tourism, and urban development.

The principal told Xinhua that this generation is responsible for Macao's future and integrating Macao and Hengqin. He added that students will gain a multidimensional understanding of the integration, its progress, and its challenges through observation, interviews, and surveys.

At the enterprise and talent service center, the students discussed with staff and asked about favorable policies for start-ups. Wei Chon Hong, from grade 11, said that seeing the center and staff in person allows him to understand the current situation of Hengqin, which helps him complete his project.

Ren Chi I was part of a research group focusing on the layout of public service facilities in Hengqin and residents' satisfaction. As she and her classmates cycled along their route, they carefully recorded the distribution of bus stops, trash bins, and accessibility facilities.

Which public facility do you use the most? What issues still exist with the cross-border commuter service? During their interviews, the students showed keen interest in all aspects of daily life in the cooperation zone.

"This program combines learning with action, allowing us to step out of the classroom with our research topics," said Ren.

According to Kao Yip, the findings from all 22 groups will also be compiled as reference material for government and businesses.