Students take a group photo to commemorate the International Chinese Language Day events. [Photo/Shandong University]

Shandong University (SDU) celebrated the 17th International Chinese Language Day on April 20 in collaboration with its overseas Confucius Institutes. The event featured three types of programs — intangible cultural heritage workshops, immersive field-study tours, and cultural exchange sessions — enabling both Chinese and international students to enhance their global appreciation of Chinese culture.

The "Five-Color Weaving Dreams" workshop took place at the Center for Research and Experience of Traditional Chinese Culture at SDU. Participants delved into the origins and symbolism of Chinese knots, learned knotting techniques, and crafted their own handicrafts. They attached dream cards to the knots, expressing their passion for the Chinese language and culture.

The "Tracing Cultural Origins" study tour brought students to the Majiayao Cultural Site in Lintao, Gansu province, where they participated in the UNESCO Youth Cultural Heritage Ambassador Study Activity. This included lectures on Majiayao civilization, site visits, and painted pottery making. Students also toured the SDU Museum with a guide, viewing pottery and rice cultivation remains to gain deeper insights into early Chinese civilization.

In the "Lighting the Future" dialogue session, Li Mingcheng, an SDU alumnus and young sinologist, shared his journey from "knowing China" to "understanding China" and then to "studying China". Overseas Chinese students shared their aspirations via video, while on-site participants discussed language learning and career planning. Additionally, participants issued the "SDU Consensus" initiative, promoting greater youth engagement in cultural exchange.

These diverse activities fostered enthusiasm for learning Chinese and strengthened cross-cultural understanding, providing a platform for cultural exchange between Chinese and international students.