2025 Chinese language teaching highlights: a two-way of language and culture connection

Over the past semester, GCLH welcomed nearly 1,000 international students from 95 countries and regions, turning campus into a vibrant “global village”. Building on its Chinese continue support activities, the Chinese Language Division of the Modern Languages Centre further broke through classroom boundaries by integrating language learning with immersive cultural experiences. Across both campuses, students and teachers embarked on a “two-way” journey—learning from one another through real-world, culturally rich practice.

Beyond the Classroom: Bringing Chinese to Life in Authentic Contexts

At the “Green Action, Chinese ‘Bargain’!” flea market, beginners paired up with Chinese students majoring in International Chinese Language Education. International students practiced newly learned phrases to negotiate prices, while Chinese students observed and offered feedback—turning learning into immediate, practical use. All proceeds were donated to an animal protection organization, linking language learning with social responsibility.

In Business Chinese, students attended the 2025 Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District Global Talent Recruitment Fair. Before the event, they prepared bilingual CVs, crafted job-specific Chinese self-introductions, and rehearsed interviews with an AI agent. Two students eventually stood out and secured offers.

Culture as a Bridge: Turning Language into Emotional Connection 

In the advanced Chinese module featuring a guest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expert, students experienced cupping and moxibustion, explored the unique appeal of TCM up close, and deepened their understanding through a knowledge quiz.

At Taicang Campus, postgraduate international students joined a calligraphy workshop, while beginners created “Chinese Character Paintings”—transforming characters into visual art based on character formation principles. Many moved from “afraid to start” to “confidently creating”. Selected works were printed as postcards, becoming artistic keepsakes that connect language, culture, and personal memory.

Learning Together: A Two-Way Model of Exchange and Growth 

In the class of Introduction to International Chinese Education, Chinese students acted as “cultural ambassadors”, teaching two intangible cultural heritage crafts: tie-dyeing and lacquer fan-making. Through hands-on practice, international students gained skills while discovering the cultural depth of Eastern aesthetics.

During Mid-Autumn Festival, students tried on Hanfu, made lanterns, and experienced the spirit of reunion through the legend of Chang’e Flying to the Moon. In autumn, teachers and students visited Taihu Wetlands, appreciating the poetic beauty of “misty waters and painted boats”, interacting with rare animals including giant pandas, and exploring rural landscapes in a modern eco-agriculture park. Other activities—including Chinese chess and Go experiences, “Folk Trends · Reimagining Intangible Heritage” sessions, and an “Oracle Bone Script & the Chinese Zodiac” workshop for an Indonesian student delegation—further inspired students to learn Chinese and engage with traditional Chinese culture at XJTLU.

At the end of the semester, awards were presented to recognize outstanding participation and progress—each certificate carrying encouragement and affirmation. To welcome the Lunar New Year, teachers and students wrote Spring Festival couplets and painted the character “福” (good fortune), sharing joy and blessings through ink and brush.

This semester, the Chinese Language Division also welcomed nearly 80 participants from 18 countries join the 16-week Practical Chinese Programme—learning Chinese, experiencing life in Suzhou, and growing together through laughter and discovery. At the closing ceremony, nearly 100 students and teachers created printed ornaments, designed blessing stamps, and took group photos to mark a heartfelt conclusion.