To enrich the campus cultural life of international students, build a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world, and allow international students to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture up close, the College of International Education organized a calligraphy experience activity on the afternoon of May 26. This unique brush-and-ink experience sparked international students' strong interest and enthusiasm for exploring Chinese calligraphy culture, while also providing them with a platform to experience China and feel connected to it.
(Photo: An international student showcasing her calligraphy work)
Dedicated Practice: Experiencing the Essence and Charm of Chinese Characters
At the beginning of the activity, the instructor provided a detailed introduction to calligraphy, covering everything from the historical origins of traditional calligraphy and painting tools such as the brush, rice paper, and ink, to fundamental techniques including brush-holding posture, brushstroke pressure, and basic stroke writing methods. The international students, many of whom had never been exposed to calligraphy before, were full of curiosity. They listened attentively, carefully observed the instructor's demonstrations, and frequently raised their hands to ask questions while imitating and practicing. Khangai, an international student from Mongolia, held a calligraphy brush and carefully attempted to make dots and strokes on rice paper. She remarked: "The brush is completely different from the pens I usually use. The soft tip requires careful control of pressure. This entirely new writing experience is truly wonderful, and it has allowed me to feel the unique beauty of Chinese characters for the first time."
(Photo: An international student showcasing her calligraphy work)
After the introduction, the activity moved into the calligraphy practice session. Volunteers guided the international students step by step in adjusting their brush-holding postures, correcting mistakes in the execution of horizontal, vertical, left-falling, and right-falling strokes, while also patiently explaining the deeper meanings of calligraphy, such as "the handwriting reflects the person" and "brush and ink convey spirit". The international students immersed themselves in practice, starting with the simplest horizontal and vertical lines, then gradually attempting to write complete, simple characters. Each stroke was steady and serious, as they explored the rhythm and structure of calligraphy through repeated practice. Everyone exchanged insights from their practice and displayed their works, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Loan, an international student from Vietnam, repeatedly practiced simple characters such as "peace" and "safety". Watching his handwriting gradually become neat, he sincerely remarked: "Every Chinese character has a beautiful structure and beautiful meaning. The process of writing allows me to calm down and feel the unique warmth of Chinese characters. I now understand that Chinese writing is not just a tool for communication, but a precious culture full of artistry." This immersive writing experience allowed the international students to deeply appreciate the unique charm of Chinese calligraphy — the harmonious balance of strength and softness.
Masterpieces Take Shape: Capturing the Beauty of Cultural Exchange
After dedicated practice, the international students gradually mastered basic calligraphy techniques and began boldly creating their own works. Based on their personal preferences, they carefully wrote auspicious characters and classic short phrases. Some works showed a beginner's touch but were neat and upright; others were innovative in composition and uniquely creative. Each piece was filled with the students' love for and exploration of Chinese culture.
On site, the air was filled with the faint scent of ink and a warm atmosphere. The international students admired each other's works, shared their creative ideas, and grew closer to one another through the exchange of brush and ink. Nurai, an international student from Kyrgyzstan, was overjoyed after completing her work, "Harmony Brings Prosperity to the Family" (jiā hé wàn shì xīng). She shared with a smile: "I really love the meaning of this phrase. Through the process of writing it by hand, I not only learned how to write these characters, but also came to understand the Chinese ideal of living in harmony and pursuing a better life. This is a very precious gain for me." These simple and vivid calligraphy works captured beautiful moments of cultural exchange between China and other countries, becoming cherished mementos of the international students' journey of perceiving Chinese culture.
(Photo from the event)
The Spirit of Ink Brings Hearts Together: Deepening Understanding, Affection, and Friendship for China
This calligraphy experience activity used brush and ink as a medium and culture as a bridge, guiding international students beyond their textbooks to get closer to traditional Chinese culture and deeply appreciate its vastness and profundity through immersive experience. From the initial curiosity and unfamiliarity with brush and ink, to the focused reflection during dedicated practice, to the joy of accomplishment upon completing their works, every international student deepened their understanding of Chinese characters, traditional aesthetics, and humanistic values through the act of writing. The international students who participated in the activity expressed that this calligraphy experience broke through their one-sided perceptions of Chinese culture and allowed them to truly feel the profound heritage and unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.
This activity not only enriched the extracurricular lives of international students, but also built a high-quality platform for promoting cultural exchange between China and other countries, effectively helping international students deepen their understanding of China, cultivate their affection for China, and strengthen their friendship with China. Through personal practice, the international students gained insight into Chinese culture and felt the warmth of China, further enhancing cultural identity and emotional connection between Chinese and international youth. This allows the charm of Chinese culture to transcend borders and take root in people's hearts, building a solid emotional foundation for friendly cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world.
(Photo from the event)
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photograph by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
