From November 14 to December 12, 2024, the Institute of Environment and Ecology (iEE) at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS) hosted the iEE International Students' Chinese Culture Experience Week, a vibrant series of cultural events designed to immerse international students in the richness of Chinese traditions and heritage.
Group photo from the “National Martial Arts Culture Experience - Wing Chun” session
The month-long event comprised five sessions, each showcasing a unique aspect of Chinese culture. Themes included Calligraphy and Tea Art Experience, Shenzhen Entrepreneurial Spirit Experience - Huaqiangbei Museum, Intangible Cultural Heritage Project Shadows, Dunhuang Frescoes, and National Martial Arts Culture Experience - Wing Chun. Blending traditional art with modern innovation, the event offered an engaging cultural journey for all participants.
Photos of the Chinese Culture Experience Week
The activities celebrated traditional Chinese crafts while offering hands-on cultural exchanges. At the same time, interactive exhibits showcased the exciting advancements in modern science and technology. Through these multi-dimensional experiences, international students had the opportunity to deeply explore the richness of Chinese heritage while also witnessing the dynamic energy of China’s technological growth.
During the Traditional Chinese Art Experience - Calligraphy and Tea Art session, students not only learned basic calligraphy techniques but also immersed themselves in the entire process of making and tasting tea. This hands-on experience offered them a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Chinese tea culture.
In the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience - Shadow Cutting activity, students had the unique opportunity to work with Master Liu, an inheritor of this ancient craft. Armed with scissors and paper, they discovered the magic and precision of shadow cutting, gaining a profound appreciation for the cultural significance and historical value behind this traditional Chinese art form.
Meanwhile, in the Shenzhen Entrepreneurial Spirit Experience - Museum Visit, students explored historical relics and modern innovative exhibits, gaining a deeper sense of Shenzhen's pioneering spirit. Through this experience, they not only discovered the city's rich history but also its vital role as a dynamic hub of innovation in China’s reform and opening-up journey.
Pictures of international students focusing on the experience
During the Chinese Martial Arts Cultural Experience - Wing Chun event, students had the chance to learn the basic moves and underlying philosophy of Wing Chun, guided by professional martial arts instructors. They experienced firsthand the subtlety and depth of traditional Chinese martial arts. Wing Chun is not about aggression but self-defense and fitness, said Marian Bjoern Hoevel from Germany, adding that the experience deepened his interest in Chinese martial arts and motivated him to delve further into this fascinating aspect of Chinese heritage.
Marian Bjoern Hoeve shares his insights
This cultural experience journey not only deepened international students' understanding of traditional Chinese culture but also helped them build a bridge to explore China’s rich history, philosophy, and the evolution of its modern society. Muneeb Ahmed, a student from Pakistan, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers. He shared that the cultural week offered him a valuable platform for cross-cultural exchange, greatly broadening his perspective. Through the experience, his appreciation and love for China's remarkable traditional culture have grown even stronger. For Muneeb, this event was not just meaningful—it had become an unforgettable and beautiful chapter in his life.
Muneeb Ahmed visits the Dunhuang mural exhibition
As part of its strategic commitment to internationalization, iEE plans to expand its cultural programs, creating more opportunities for international students to engage with Chinese traditions and modern achievements. By fostering intercultural understanding, iEE continues to shape global talents who serve as bridges between cultures in an interconnected world.
Written by Xie Kexin, Hao Zhenle, Lv Jiajing
Photos by Lv Jiajing
Edited by Yuan Yang
Reviewed by Chen Chaoqun
