In order to enrich students' campus life, develop their cultural vision, and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, the Management Office of the Confucius Institute under our school had elaborately planned the event "Online Chinese Traditional Culture Experience Week" for international Chinese lecturers and scholarship holders. On May 18, 19 and 21, the students learned three kinds of treasurable Chinese traditional cultures—Chinese knotting, Chinese Paper-Cutting and Tai Chi via the online platform Voov Meeting.
During the Chinese knotting activity held on May 18th, the lecturer first introduced the history of Chinese knotting to students with various types of Chinese knots shown as samples, and then taught them every detail they need to know when making cross knots and cat-head knots (two kinds of well-known Chinese knots). Students present finished their own works in a relaxed and pleasant vibe, which allowed them to enjoy the fun of making Chinese knots. Dormon from Russia said to the lecturer, "the threads I have today are a bit thick, but I have learned how to make Chinese knots. I am glad to join this activity."
In the Chinese Paper-Cutting activity held on May 19, the students present tried their best to make full use of their imagination to design novel paper cuttings that are highly ornamental. Nada from Mongolia said: "Ms., Paper Cuttings are popular in our country as well, which are commonly shaped like snowflakes." In addition to making various paper cuttings for window decorations, the lecturer taught the students how to make the paper-cut of the typical Chinese character "囍". And Lisa from Ukraine finally finished a piece of work she was satisfied with after many tries.
In the activity held on May 21st, the students were organized to practice Tai Chi, which has been enlisted into Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lecturer first introduced the students to the basic theory of Tai Chi while playing the video clips of Tai Chi athletes participating in international competitions, and then taught the students to practice the movements of the "Simplified 24-pattern Tai Chi" with melodious music. after the activity was ended, Vika from Belarus said to the lecturer, "I now feel quite comfortable and practicing Tai Chi is absolutely a great way to keep our bodies fit."
With multiple measures taken to overcome various unfavorable circumstances arising from the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the School of International Education has actively launched various long-term and short-term online teaching projects and cultural events that are conducive to the development of our college. In the future, our school will innovatively launch more online cultural events is rich of cultural connotation, develop platforms that are excellent in promoting Chinese culture, and thereby building a solid position for cultural exchange between China and foreign countries.
