Mr Saunders and fellow third-year students Mitchell Chiew, Katie Dyer, Jonathan Israel and Katy Proctor, plus fourth-year students Tania Loke and Ben Tapley, attended the event hosted by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei.
He said they had a week of thought-provoking lectures, followed by another week of research and hands-on work in laboratories with Chinese mentors that they presented to their peers.
"With content ranging from string theory to ultra-cold atoms, plasma generation to bacterial motor networks, the summer camp introduced the students to topics that are on the forefront of modern physics," he said.
Mr Saunders said they also experienced modern and traditional Chinese culture during their trip, including visiting the Huangshan mountains and historical villages of Xidi and Hongcun.
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READ NOWStudents also took part in Chinese cultural classes in Mandarin, tai chi and classical Chinese instruments and music.
The Wanneroo City Council decided at its August 18 meeting to approve a $500 donation to Mr Saunders to help cover his costs, even though he is older than the policy allows and the trip was for academic, rather than sporting purposes.
The City's staff had recommended Mr Saunders� request be refused, but Cr Sabine Winton, who declared an impartiality interest because he was a past student of hers, moved an amendment to approve it.