In the afternoon of March 28, the International Education College held an exchange activity themed on Silk Road & the Culture of China’s Western Regions for international students, introducing the thousand-year-old Silk Road and the splendid culture of China’s Western Regions and presenting a unique and wonderful charming China.
The Exchange first introduced the origin of the Silk Road and some important scenic spots. The Silk Road is a land route opened up by Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty who sent Zhang Qian to the western regions. It started from Chang’an (now named Xi’an City), the capital of the Western Han Dynasty, through Gansu and Xinjiang, to Central Asia and West Asia, and connected to the Mediterranean countries. The Silk Road has made great contributions to the exchange between China and the world. Situated at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang were developed for about 1,000 years from the Sixteen Kingdoms to the Yuan Dynasty. They are unique among China’s grottoes, being a treasure house of art from ancient Chinese civilization and an important testimony to the dialogue and exchange between civilizations that took place along the Silk Road in ancient times. The ancient city of Loulan, located on the west bank of Lop Nor in Ruoqiang County, Bayingoleng Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, was historically a hub on the Silk Road and an important center for trade between China and the West. The history, culture and architecture of the Silk Road are mysterious and alluring, arousing the interest of many international students.
The Exchange also introduced the cuisine in the western regions, such as roasted whole sheep, which is a traditional-flavor meat product perfectly combining color, aroma and taste; Xinjiang rice, which is nutritious with a unique flavor; and big-plate chicken, which is composed of smooth and spicy chicken and soft and sweet potatoes. The western regions also have a variety of complex and colorful clothing, such as the Tibetan costumes characterized by the loose waist, long sleeves, large lapels, right overlapping, long skirts, long boots, braided hair, and gold/silver/beads/jade jewelry; and the Wei costumes characterized by Yaketaike (long coat), Tuoni (long robe), Paiximaite (short jacket), Nimucha (top), Kuyinaike (shirt) and waist scarf.
Through the Exchange, the international students gained a deeper understanding of the Silk Road and its importance. They learned that it was established to promote interconnection, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development between China and countries in Asia and Europe, and it is an important channel to promote the prosperity and development of the community of a shared future for mankind. China has always cherished peace and promoted peaceful cooperation, and is willing to boost the high-quality development of all countries together with the Silk Road spirit of openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefits.
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photos by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
