During the summer vacation, more than 100 Russian youths from cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, and Ulan-Ude, fueled by their keen interest in Chinese language and culture, participated in a Chinese summer camp organized by Shenyang Jianzhu University’s International Exchange and Cooperation Office and the International School. The camp was divided into three sessions.
The university meticulously prepared a series of Chinese language courses for the participants. These courses not only focused on fundamental Chinese language skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but also incorporated rich elements of Chinese culture. As a result, the participants made significant progress in their language skills and practical application of Chinese, while also gaining a deeper understanding of China’s vast traditional culture, experiencing firsthand the unique charm of Chinese culture.
During their time at the university, the students engaged in various cultural activities. They learned the art of paper cutting, creating intricate designs by skillfully combining scissors and paper. They also crafted Chinese knots, colorful decorative items that carry deep cultural significance. The kite-making session allowed students to create kites of various shapes and patterns, which they flew on sunny days, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese kite culture. In the Chinese painting class, students explored the simplicity and elegance of traditional Chinese ink painting, learning how to create vivid lines on rice paper. The practice of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese health exercise, introduced the students to the art of relaxation and balance through gentle, flowing movements. In the tea ceremony class, students learned the etiquette and techniques of brewing and tasting tea, gaining insights into the profound heritage of Chinese tea culture.
In addition to the rich Chinese language and culture courses, the university designed a special city exploration tour titled “Hello, Shenyang.” The students embarked on an exciting journey to discover the landmarks of Shenyang, including the majestic Shenyang Imperial Palace, where each stone tells a story of historical change; the bustling Zhongjie Street, a hub of commerce and a window into the city’s local culture and traditions; the Liaoning Provincial Museum, home to countless precious artifacts that allowed the students to travel back in time and feel the weight of history; the nostalgic Laobeishi district, an ideal spot for experiencing traditional Shenyang life; and the bustling Hunnan Riverside Market, which showcased Shenyang’s modern urban vitality and prosperity. These activities provided the students with a deeper understanding of Shenyang and fostered their love for this vibrant and charming city.
Through this summer camp, the participants not only made significant progress in their language learning but also gained a deeper appreciation of Chinese traditional culture through a wide range of cultural experiences. Many students expressed that the camp left them with wonderful and lasting memories, offering them a valuable platform for learning and exchange. The camp also opened a window for them to better understand and connect with China. Looking ahead, they hope to return to Shenyang Jianzhu University for further studies and aspire to become ambassadors of Sino-Russian friendship.
