To enrich the extracurricular cultural life of international students, build a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, deepen the connotation of the "Silk Road Business Venture" brand, and allow international students to experience the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture up close, the College of International Education successfully hosted a "Painting Ancient Rhymes on Masks, Nourishing Hearts with Culture" Peking Opera mask painting event for international students on the afternoon of April 14. International students from Russia, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, and several other countries gathered together. Through brushes and colors, they touched the essence of Peking Opera culture, immersed themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese art, and used cultural exchange as a bond to help the "Silk Road Business Venture" brand showcase the power of Chinese cultural heritage.
(Photo from the event)
Cultural Introduction: Unlocking the "Code" of Peking Opera Masks
At the beginning of the event, a salon-style session was held to explain the historical origins, cultural connotations, and artistic characteristics of Peking Opera masks. Using vivid examples, the instructor introduced what different mask colors represent in terms of character traits — red symbolizes loyalty, uprightness, and integrity; white represents treachery, suspicion, and cunning; black signifies righteousness and moral fortitude; and yellow reflects bravery, fierceness, and a hot temper. In addition, the instructor specifically taught the international students some Chinese vocabulary related to Peking Opera masks, such as "mask" (liǎnpǔ), "Peking Opera" (jīngjù), "color painting" (cǎihuì), and "face painting" (gōuliǎn). The instructor patiently corrected pronunciation and explained meanings to help the international students better understand and participate in the activity. The instructor also showcased classic mask works on site and carefully demonstrated the basic steps and techniques of mask painting. Nabil, an international student from Bangladesh, listened very attentively. He said: "I had only seen Peking Opera on television before. Today, I learned that there is so much meaning hidden in these masks — every color and every brushstroke has significance. The Chinese vocabulary taught today was also very practical. This has made me very curious about traditional Chinese culture and has deepened my desire to learn more about it."
(Photo from the event)
Hands-On Practice: Painting the Ancient Charm of China
After the cultural introduction, the mask painting practice session officially began. The international students received blank masks, paints, brushes, and other tools. Using what they had just learned and letting their imaginations run free, they began sketching outlines and filling in colors step by step. Some students carefully replicated classic mask patterns with great attention to detail, while others boldly experimented, incorporating elements from their own cultures into the traditional designs to create unique, one-of-a-kind works. Arash, an international student from Kazakhstan, focused intently as he filled his mask with red color. He said: "The process of painting was really fun. At first, I couldn't quite master the techniques, but then I slowly got the hang of it. Watching the mask gradually take shape under my brush gave me a great sense of accomplishment, and I truly felt the charm of traditional Chinese painting."
(Photo from the event)
Passing the Torch: Deepening International Students' Understanding, Friendship, and Love for China
This Peking Opera mask painting event is not only a concrete initiative by the College of International Education to enrich the cultural lives of international students, but also a vivid practice of the "Silk Road Business Venture" brand building. Using the iconic symbol of Peking Opera masks as a vehicle for traditional Chinese culture, the event provided international students with a high-quality platform to access and understand traditional Chinese art. More importantly, it allowed them to experience the profound depth of Chinese cultural heritage through immersive participation, effectively promoting cultural exchange and integration between China and the rest of the world, while further strengthening the cultural connotation of the "Silk Road Business Venture" brand.
After the event, the international students expressed that this cultural activity was both enjoyable and meaningful, giving them a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of Chinese culture. With culture as a bond, this event helped international students further understand and develop friendship toward China, while also bringing Chinese and international students closer together, fostering a campus atmosphere of multicultural integration. Furthermore, it helped promote traditional Chinese culture beyond the campus and toward the world, injecting vibrant youthful energy into the university's international brand building, and building a solid bridge for cross-cultural exchange and cooperation between China and other countries.
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photograph by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
