Chinese and International Students Experience the Charm of Chinese Civilization

Written by: Qi Fengli

Reported by: Chen Dan, Zhang Yuxuan, Zhuo Xiaoyi

Edited by: Zhang Gan

Translated by: Li Tingting, Xiao Liang

Source: School of International Exchange, News Center

“People all over the world are learning Chinese. Confucius’ words are becoming more international…” On the afternoon of April 25, the melody of the classic Chinese song Tongues of China was heard in the Cultural Square. Performed by international students of Xiangtan University, the vibrant singing and clear standard pronunciation attracted many passing teachers and students.

Along with the singing, several colorful dragons danced and twisted joyfully to the lively music. The brilliant dragon dance performed by international students from Uganda, Pakistan, Russia, Vietnam and other countries won waves of applause from the audience. Chinese and foreign young students also performed a traditional Ugandan dance together, presenting a wonderful scene of cultural dialogue and mutual integration.

This wonderful scene was even more vivid and impressive at the International Chinese Language Day event, which was themed An Enduring Cultural Legacy, Languages Connecting the World on the afternoon of April 21.

Friends gather in Hunan, and cultures blend in harmony. The International Chinese Language Day featured three themed activities, including Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience, Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Creation, and Chinese Character Treasure Hunt. Through activities such as lacquer fan making, joint creation of a long calligraphy and painting scroll, and Chinese character puzzle solving, international students experienced the unique charm of Chinese culture up close.

The activity creatively combined Chinese character puzzles with spring outing elements. Chinese and international students worked in teams to search for cards scattered across the venue. The collected cards were pieced together to form Chinese poems or individual characters, and participants were awarded exquisite Chinese-style prizes according to their completion performance. The event beautifully integrated the charm of Chinese characters with the artistic craftsmanship of lacquer fans. During the fan-making session, participants dropped colored dyes into water and gently dipped blank fans into the liquid. After a short while, uniquely patterned fans with elegant textures were taken out. At the hundred-meter painting and calligraphy scroll site, international students dipped brushes in ink and carefully wrote their favorite Chinese characters on rice paper.

“This activity has not only strengthened our friendship with Chinese students, but also deepened my immersion in Chinese culture,” commented Tang Bo, an international student from Zimbabwe.