European Students Studying in Hungary Visit XJTLU School of Languages

On 11 July 2025, over twenty university students studying in Hungary visited the School of Languages at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) to participate in a Chinese language and culture exchange event. The programme aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the Chinese language and traditional culture, while fostering intercultural communication and mutual understanding.

The programme began with an engaging session led by Ying Zhao, the Language Lecturer of the Chinese Division. Using interactive games, Ying introduced the students to various aspects of Chinese and Suzhou heritage. The activities offered a rich and varied insight into local traditions, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

A series of hands-on cultural workshops led by Chinese language lecturers Ying Zhao, Haixia Wang and Yanfang Si followed. The students had the opportunity to paint traditional Suzhou fans, delicately depicting the “Four Gentlemen” — plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum — which symbolise elegance and moral integrity in Chinese literati culture. Another highlight was the woodblock printing experience, allowing students to explore traditional Chinese craftsmanship by transferring carved patterns onto rice paper. These activities brought abstract cultural concepts to life in a deeply immersive way.

Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, also attended the event and communicated with the students. When asked how to effectively learn Chinese, he remarked, “Mastering the sounds and logic of the Chinese language requires a foundational understanding of Chinese culture. Only by grasping the cultural context behind the language can learners develop true fluency.”

The Hungarian students expressed great enthusiasm for the day’s activities. Many described the experience as eye-opening and profoundly memorable. “Painting the fan and creating my own print felt like touching the history of an ancient civilisation,” one student said. “It was truly moving.”

The visiting students showed great enthusiasm for learning Chinese. Many took the initiative to greet teachers in Mandarin, share their impressions using simple Chinese phrases, and even tried writing their names in Chinese characters — creating an atmosphere of curiosity, joy, and exploration.

Kirsty Mattinson, Heaf of XJTLU Global, also took the opportunity to introduce School of Languages' short-term Chinese programmes designed for international learners. These include the Chinese Language Summer School and Practical Chinese courses.

This cultural exchange event not only opened a gateway to Chinese culture for European students studying in Hungary, but also highlighted XJTLU’s ongoing efforts and active commitment to promoting intercultural exchange and nurturing globally minded talent.