With the theme of Chinese: A Gift Across Time and Space, the 2025 International Chinese Language Day highlights the contemporary value and vivid practice of the Chinese language in inheriting Chinese culture, advancing exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and promoting common development.
On April 20, International Chinese Language Day, the School of International Education organized 37 international students from Laos, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, Cameroon and other countries to visit Jiangning Museum. The activity enabled students to travel through time and experience traditional intangible cultural heritage as well as profound Chinese history and culture.
During the tour, guided by the museum commentator, international students learned about the historical changes of Jiangning from ancient times to modern times through precious cultural relics and detailed historical materials, with a focus on its prosperity as an economic and cultural hub in the Jiangnan region during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The students paused frequently to take photos and take notes on key Chinese vocabulary and cultural knowledge. In the hands-on experience session, under the guidance of museum staff, they first studied the creation principles and historical significance of oracle bone inscriptions. Then, they carefully copied ancient characters with writing brushes against templates to appreciate the unique charm of the earliest Chinese writing system. In the tile-end rubbing experience, volunteers assisted students in preparing ink, laying paper and mastering traditional rubbing techniques. Exquisite tile patterns gradually emerged through careful brushing and pressing. Holding their finished works, international students shared their creative experiences excitedly in Chinese. From immersive historical learning to interactive handicraft practice, the Chinese language served not only as a communication tool, but also as a bridge linking the past and the present and crossing national boundaries.
Shen Yun, Secretary of the General Party Branch of the School of International Education, stated that the college will continue to leverage rich cultural resources to create more informative and interesting Chinese practice activities. These programs will help international students perceive the charm of Chinese culture and grow into ambassadors for exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, enabling the contemporary value of the Chinese language to shine more brightly on the global stage.
Written by: Feng Junying
Preliminary Review: Zhang Min
Final Review: Shen Yun
