On the afternoon of Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the International Education College organized a lacquer fan experience activity on intangible cultural heritage for international students, themed “Painting Lacquer Fans to Inherit Intangible Cultural Heritage, Transmitting Craftsmanship Across the World.” As one of the key practical activities under the “Business Charm of the Silk Road” international student education brand, this event aimed to provide an immersive hands-on experience with intangible cultural heritage. It allowed students from around the world to feel the unique charm of traditional Chinese craftsmanship through the flowing colors and textures at their fingertips, building bridges for people-to-people connectivity and mutual cultural learning. This activity contributed to a new chapter in the cultural exchanges of “Studying at SBS, Experiencing the Charm of the Silk Road” and the Belt and Road Initiative.
(International students displaying the lacquer fans they made)
The lacquer fan is a treasured gem of intangible cultural heritage, representing a deep integration of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and cultural aesthetics. Its history can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, developed through the Qin and Han periods, matured during the Tang and Song dynasties, and reached its technical peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Evolving from an initial tool for cooling into a cultural artifact of both artistic and collectible value, the lacquer fan embodies the wisdom and dedication of artisans over millennia. Its production involves more than ten complex steps, including wood selection, frame making, lacquer application, painting, and polishing. Each stroke depicting dragons and phoenixes, plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, landscapes, or historical anecdotes turns the lacquer fan into a “mobile canvas” carrying Chinese civilization.
(Scene from the activity)
This event marked the first time a systematic introduction was given to international students on the historical origins, cultural significance, and core techniques of lacquer fans. Subsequently, the students personally selected their favorite colors and experienced the lacquer painting process, creating unique lacquer fans and bookmarks. The venue was filled with continuous laughter and joyful conversations, as Chinese and international students exchanged ideas and deepened mutual understanding. Pearl, an international student from Kyrgyzstan, excitedly shared, “This is my first time making a lacquer fan; it feels absolutely magical and fascinating! The colors on my fan are very beautiful. I am thrilled to have participated in this activity. Not only did I learn a new skill, but I also gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.”
(International students in the process of making lacquer fans)
(Scene from the lacquer fan activity)
This lacquer fan experience activity on intangible cultural heritage is not only a significant measure by the International Education College to promote the high-quality development of “Study in Shanghai” but also a vivid practice in building the college’s “Business Charm of the Silk Road” international student education brand. “Business Charm of the Silk Road” is committed to being rooted in Shanghai while engaging with the world, using business and trade as a medium and culture as a bridge to continuously foster in-depth exchanges between Chinese and foreign youth across multiple dimensions such as economy and trade, language, and the arts. Through the cultural vehicle of intangible cultural heritage, this activity not only enhanced the participants’ Chinese language application skills and cross-cultural understanding but also strengthened their emotional identification with and friendship towards China. It has injected cultural momentum into cultivating global talents with an international perspective and a sound knowledge of both Chinese and foreign cultures.
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photographed by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
