Led by Senior Inspector Mr Ling Kim-kwong, the group received classroom lectures in the Peking University on such topics as the Mainland's legal system, state enterprise reforms, civil service system, public security organisation as well as the Mainland's entry into the World Trade Organisation. Scholars from other universities were also invited to give guest lectures.

Mr Ling said that although five participants fell ill during the course under the freezing temperatures (as low as minus six degrees Celsius), they managed a speedy recovery and continued with the learning tour. He said he personally benefited much from the trip and that it had helped change his perception of the Mainland.

Some of the visitors also took the chance to spend their weekends visiting various scenic spots and historic sites in the capital including the Beijing Police Museum and the Great Wall.

After the tour, all participants said in one voice that the tour was worthwhile and deepened their understanding of the Motherland. They also hoped that more courses would be organised in the future.

LIA Chairman Mr Liu Kit-ming had flown to the capital three times to arrange the course. He said that it had been modelled on the civil service training course run by Tsinghua University.

He reminded fellow Force members that the second Beijing course is expected to be held between October 5 and 17 this year and interested parties might want to reserve their dates in their holiday plans.

Some of the participants talked to OffBeat about their experience in Beijing.

Eastern District Station Sergeant Mr Chan Ping-yiu was one of the five participants who immediately fell ill after arriving in Beijing. It was the first time Mr Chan had trod the soil of the capital and he even celebrated his birthday with other course participants there.

"I learned more from the trip and it widened my horizons," he said. "I could understand more about the latest situation in Beijing."

Central District Executive Officer Mr Clarence Ching Yuet was most happy to have the chance to learn from the distinguished scholars at Peking University. He also learned more about the civil service system on the Mainland.

"Professor Niu Jun taught us on international relations," Mr Ching said. "His thinking and wide knowledge made a very good impression on me. After returning to Hong Kong, I started looking for his books to read."

Woman Senior Inspector Mrs Lau Chan Wai-ling said that apart from classroom learning, she enjoyed walking in the huge campus of the Peking University. What she saw in the campus would also inspire her teaching at the Police Training School (PTS).

"I had read a book in the University library. It contained a famous saying, the meaning of which was: human beings will have nothing to worry over if they stop learning, but what are the differences between human beings and animals? That explained the importance of lifelong learning. Now, I would use these words to tell my students at PTS to continue to acquire new knowledge," said Mrs Lau.

Technology Crime Division Sergeant Mr Andy Yan Man-choi was quite unfamiliar with Beijing before the trip, as it was his first time to visit the capital. In addition to acquiring new knowledge, he was also delighted to see so many scenic spots and historical sites there.

"The trip helped me learn about what was actually happening on the Mainland and let me know more about the Public Security Ministry, which many police officers have close contacts with.

"I also made great progress in my Putonghua listening ability after listening to so many hours of Putonghua lectures. It even helped to correct my accent," he added.

Tin Shui Wai Assistant Divisional Commander Mr Ng Yat-fan said he was happy to understand more about the Motherland from this renowned University. He was also impressed that the younger generation was so eager to pursue knowledge.

The numerous bookstores in the capital were also a big attraction for Mr Ng, who bought a large number of books back with him.

Marine West Division Senior Inspector Mr Chung Wa said that the course would help his daily work. He added: "We have been maintaining regular contacts with our Mainland counterparts and the course helped me understand their work and duties.

"Of course, I made some progress in speaking Putonghua as I had to speak it during and after the lectures."