In the afternoon of Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the College of International Education held a seminar on “Carnival of Vision and Palate” for international students from all over the world, introducing different types of costumes in Chinese history and distinctive cuisines from different regions, spreading Chinese culture to international students in a vivid way online, enhancing the friendship between Chinese and foreign students, and presenting a unique and beautiful China to international students.
The exchange focused on the distinctive costumes derived from the different dynasties in China’s 5000-year history. Among them are the elegant Han costume, the dazzling clothes of the Qing Dynasty and the modern Chinese Tunic Suit which combines the essence of Eastern and Western cultures; the Uighur costume with various floral and plant branches, leaves, vines and fruit patterns; the Hmong costume which maintains the traditional techniques of weaving, embroidering, picking and dyeing of Chinese folklore; and the Korean costume (mainly white) which symbolizes purity, goodness, nobleness and sanctity.
In addition, the Chinese students introduced some rich and diverse cuisines to international students. China is a country with many cuisines and its culture of food has evolved with the times. During the exchange, they introduced popular folk cuisines such as hot pot, tea ceremony and dumplings; they also introduced regional specialties such as Gan cuisine (also known as Jiangxi cuisine), which has a long history and deep roots, and is a “hometown cuisine” with a strong local flavor developed on the basis of “literati cuisine” inherited from past generations; Qian cuisine is famous for its exquisite cooking, a wide variety of dishes, beautiful layout and unique flavor, which also brings a visual feast for international students.
NZOUNGOU JEFFERSON PRINCE AMOUR, an international student from Congo, said: I am a food lover, and I think today’s activity has broadened my knowledge of Chinese food and deepened my understanding of Chinese beautiful characteristic costumes.
The exchange activities held on National Day enhanced the friendship between international students and Chinese students, and deepened international students’ understanding of China. Moreover, the activities eliminated the loneliness of international students in China and deepened their feelings for China through online communication and interaction.
Written by: Zhang Ruyi
Photos by: Zhang Ruyi
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
