On March 17, the International Culture & Chinese Language Salon was hosted by the International Education College. Themed around Chinese short dramas, the event served as a catalyst for integrating language learning with cultural exchange, providing international students from around the world with a relaxed yet effective platform for Chinese language study and interaction. By introducing an innovative teaching format that moves beyond traditional models, the salon engaged participants in activities such as plot analysis, line recitation, and the sharing of viewing insights. Through this immersive experience, students were able to appreciate the charm of the Chinese language, gain exposure to contemporary Chinese culture, and simultaneously enhance their language application skills and cultural understanding.
Decoding the Chinese Short Drama Market and Creating New Scenarios for Language Learning
The event commenced with an overview of the current development, distinctive characteristics, and global influence of the Chinese short drama market. Using clear and accessible Chinese, the facilitator explained the narrative strengths of short dramas—namely, their brevity, fast pace, and dense storytelling. Drawing on the report released at the 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, the session introduced key figures highlighting China’s short drama market, including a user base of 662 million and a market value exceeding RMB 500 billion, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of this emerging cultural medium. In addition, excerpts from classic short dramas covering a range of themes and using everyday language were selected to guide students in mastering commonly used vocabulary and expressions in daily conversation. VIONA, a Vietnamese student, remarked, “I used to find Chinese learning boring, but I never expected that short dramas could help me easily pick up so many practical expressions. The clips are very interesting, the lines are simple and easy to understand, and they also give me a glimpse into the daily lives of Chinese people. This approach is so much more effective than rote memorization of vocabulary.”
(Photos show various popular short dramas shared during the event.)
Immersive Participation and Interaction for Enhanced Chinese Proficiency
During the interactive segment, students watched short drama clips and subsequently engaged in line recitation and role-play, thereby honing their spoken Chinese skills in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The activities encouraged them to speak with confidence and actively engage in conversation. Participants also discussed the plotlines of the short dramas, sharing their insights on Chinese culture and social life, which deepened their language retention through intellectual exchange. YESUIGEN, a student from Kyrgyzstan, shared, “I knew nothing about Chinese short dramas before. Through this salon, I not only learned many Chinese expressions but also discovered that Chinese short dramas have gained international recognition. This has made me appreciate the charm of the Chinese language and has further motivated me to learn it well. Imitating the lines from the dramas has boosted my confidence and greatly helped me in my daily interactions with Chinese people, giving me a deeper understanding of the flexibility of the Chinese language.”
(Photo shows international students sharing lines from short dramas on stage.)
(Photo shows international students enjoying clips of popular short dramas.)
Building Bridges Through Short Dramas: Connecting Language Learning and Cultural Identity
By utilizing short dramas as a dynamic medium that combines engagement with practical value, this International Culture & Chinese Language Salon effectively enhanced the participants’ Chinese listening and speaking skills. At the same time, it allowed international students to gain a more authentic, multi-dimensional, and vivid picture of contemporary China, further deepening their cultural appreciation and affinity.
In the future, the International Education College will remain committed to the development of its “Shanghai Silk Road” brand, continuously exploring diverse and immersive forms of Chinese language instruction. By drawing on both traditional Chinese culture and contemporary cultural vehicles, the College will guide international students in fostering genuine understanding and friendship toward China through hands-on experiences. These efforts aim to further strengthen students’ Chinese language proficiency, enhance cross-cultural understanding and mutual trust, and build a more solid and open bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and other countries.
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photographer: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewer: Chen Wei
