On October 17, 29 international students from the International Education College at Shanghai University embarked on a unique walking activity to experience the poetic charm of Jiangnan, dressed in traditional Hanfu while strolling along the ancient stone paths with paper umbrellas in hand.
Divided into ten groups, each team was assigned a line from a classic Chinese poem. Their task was to recite and interpret the lines, then wander through the picturesque Jiangnan water towns to find a scene that resonated with the essence of their assigned verse and capture it through photography.
The participants hailed from nearly 30 countries, including Russia, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Vietnam, Thailand, and Iran. For most of them, this was the first time wearing Hanfu and exploring the enchanting scenes of Jiangnan, characterized by its quaint bridges and flowing streams.
“The experience was simply marvelous,” exclaimed Ryuji Yamashita from Japan, who received the line “A branch of red apricot leans out the wall.” While walking, he stumbled upon a closed café, where lush plants around the entrance mirrored the imagery in the poem. “This immersive experience feels incredibly romantic,” he noted.
“How deep is the courtyard?” pondered Kha Yun Duo from Laos as she and her classmates recited poetry and searched for courtyards. “While we searched, I realized that I not only understood the poem’s content but also grasped the poet’s sentiments,” she shared.
This activity initiated a meaningful dialogue with Chinese traditional culture. The students engaged with ancient Chinese poetry, seeking similar settings to experience the profound cultural heritage embedded in these verses.
Lines like “The shadows of ancient trees cast short boats,” “A small bridge runs across the clear creek,” and “Where is the one I long for, just across the water?” were passionately recited by the students during a sharing session, where faculty members from the International Education College provided on-site feedback.
Jiangnan culture stands out uniquely in China’s regional heritage. Throughout history, many renowned poets have left behind timeless verses inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Jiangnan. According to Lu Qi, the deputy dean of the Shanghai Academy of Chinese Culture, the collaboration involving Shanghai universities and institutions in the Yangtze River Delta aims to immerse foreign students in the world of poetry that captures the essence of water villages, willow-draped streets, and the rich cultural tapestry of Jiangnan.
As they explored the scenic water towns, the students’ enthusiasm for learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture was reignited. From Kyrgyzstan, a student named Xunmeng, which means “to search for dreams,” shared that she chose this name as she came to China to pursue her dream of becoming a translator. “Although I’ve taken poetry classes, experiencing Jiangnan firsthand and considering why poets chose certain words to describe it has deepened my understanding of Jiangnan culture and motivated me to excel in learning Chinese,” she said.
Philip, a student from Kenya, who has been learning Chinese for a relatively short time, expressed his enjoyment during the walk. “Many Chinese tourists greeted us and even asked to take photos together. I made a lot of new friends and expanded my social circle, which feels very rewarding. It’s impressive how China preserves its traditional culture while rapidly developing,” he remarked.
This event was jointly organized by the Shanghai Academy of Chinese Culture, Jiangsu Academy of Chinese Culture, and the International Education College at Shanghai University, with the Suzhou Overseas Friendship Association hosting the activities.
