25 Apr 2025
On 18 April, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) hosted the 2025 Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District International Chinese Language Day event under the theme “Chinese: A Gift Through Time.”
The event featured two main activities: the “China in Songs” international student Chinese song contest and a traditional culture fair. Nearly 300 Chinese and international students from universities, including XJTLU, Soochow University, Suzhou Industrial Park Institute of Services Outsourcing, Duke Kunshan University, and New York University Shanghai, participated in the celebration.
Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice President of XJTLU, and Helen Beech, Dean of the School of Languages, delivered opening remarks.
Professor Chao said: “As globalisation deepens, the Chinese language is playing an increasingly important role as a bridge. It is encouraging to see more and more young people around the world taking an interest in learning Chinese.
“We hope this event enables more international youth to understand China’s rich culture and achievements, and fosters lasting enthusiasm for Chinese culture. This forms a strong foundation for cross-cultural friendship and mutual understanding.”
Beech said: “This year’s theme, ‘Chinese: A Gift Through Time’, reminds us of the special role Chinese plays in connecting past and present, breaking through geographical boundaries, and bringing people together.
“As one of the oldest written languages still in use, Chinese carries centuries of wisdom and remains a key bridge for global communication and cultural exchange. That is why today’s celebration is so meaningful.”
Professor Qiuling Chao (middle) and Helen Beech (second from right)
Appreciating the beauty of Chinese through music
The song contest attracted over 50 international students. Stephanie Wu from Indonesia won first prize for her performance of “Spring Ballet”.
Stephanie Wu
Ting Wen, Director of Chinese Language Teaching at XJTLU, said: “Singing Chinese songs not only helps students practise the language but also allows them to experience the musicality and rhythm of Chinese. This enjoyable learning method often inspires deeper engagement and passion.”
At the opening ceremony, 12 students from Italy, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and China performed tai chi and martial arts.
Giulia Riva, an exchange student from Italy who joined the tai chi performance, said: “I first became interested in Chinese history and culture five years ago, and that’s when I started learning the language. Experiencing tai chi in this way is something I’ve always hoped for – it’s a great chance to deepen my cultural understanding.”
Tai chi performance
Experiencing Chinese heritage through hands-on activities
The traditional culture fair included activities related to intangible cultural heritage, Chinese food and student societies.
International students experiencing Shengpu “Da Lian Xiang” performance art
International students wearing hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese clothes
Guided by craftspeople, participants explored six traditional crafts: blue calico dyeing, woodblock printing, opera costume ornament making, Shengpu “Da Lian Xiang” performance art, Suzhou folk instrument making, and egg carving.
Rongsen Li, a master of traditional Chinese opera costume-making, introduced students to the history and techniques behind traditional opera attire. He also taught them how to make pom-pom ornaments used in opera headdresses.
“Opera is itself a blend of various cultural elements. For culture to grow, it must be inclusive and adaptive. XJTLU’s intercultural environment reflects this spirit,” he said.
Rongsen Li (left)
In addition to the crafts booths, the fair featured seasonal snacks such as qingtuan (mugwort rice balls) and haitang gao (crabapple pastries), and hands-on experiences including guzheng (Chinese zither), hanfu (traditional clothing), a tea ceremony, and Go (Chinese chess).
Sandra Natalie Basuki, an international student from Indonesia studying Financial Mathematics at XJTLU, tried making qingtuan for the first time.
“From kneading the dough to filling it, every step was fun,” she said. “We learned that qingtuan is a traditional food for the Qingming Festival in Suzhou. It was a hands-on, delicious experience, and understanding the cultural meaning made it even more special.”
Making qingtuan
Building a platform for cultural exchange
The event was co-organised by Suzhou Dushu Lake Universities and Colleges Development Union, the Communist Youth League Working Committee of Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, and XJTLU. It was hosted by XJTLU’s School of Languages and Arts Centre, and supported by the Suzhou Industrial Park Public Culture Centre.
Dr Henghua Su, Director of the Modern Languages Centre at XJTLU, said: “We want our international students to explore diverse aspects of Chinese culture on campus and join the global Chinese language community in celebrating this special day.
“As our international student population continues to grow, the scale and scope of our events have also expanded. Our International Chinese Language Day event has become a highlight in the Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District, drawing students from across Suzhou and Shanghai.
“We look forward to building an influential platform for international cultural exchange, and strengthening the bridge between Chinese and global cultures.”
By Xinyi Liu
Edited by Patricia Pieterse
25 Apr 2025