Nihao, China! Sun Yat-sen University Welcomes 2017 International Exchange Students

On 24th September, a Chinese cultural experience activity called “Nihao, China!” was held by Lingnan (University) College, Sun Yat-sen University. Organized by the Buddy Program, the activity attracted international exchange students from Lingnan (Universisty) College as well as other colleges like Sun Yat-sen Business School.

At the opening ceremony of “Nihao, China!” a traditional Chinese sleeve dance called The Swan brought beautiful feelings to everyone and won much praise. Afterwards, a Han dynasty costume show performed by the Tongque Traditional Chinese Costumes Association gave students a deeper understanding of Hanfu – one of the world's oldest national costumes with more than four thousand years of history.

To participate in the “Nihao, China!” activity, exchange students were given a card with their ancient Chinese zodiac. This card not only provided a personalized welcome and connection to ancient Chinese culture for each of the international exchange students, it also to served as a scorecard for the “Nihao, China!” activity.

The activity was composed of five experience areas: Chinese paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy, Peking Opera facial makeup, gobang game playing, and pictographic evolution. Each experience area had staff members to assist the exchange students and award them stamps to their Chinese zodiac scorecards. The more the international exchange students participated, the more stamps they earned; the stamps not only encouraged Chinese cultural exploration, but also allowed students to earn prizes at the end of the activity!

At the Chinese calligraphy and Peking Opera makeup experience areas, the exchange students were able to express themselves creatively and learn from their Chinese classmates. Two talented undergraduate calligraphers inspired many of the international exchange students to give calligraphy a try. The exchange students eagerly picked up their brushes, and their experienced Chinese buddies were happy to assist! The facial makeup area was full of "artists" who were fully immersed in the pursuit of beauty. Some students were more traditional, as they attentively imitated the Peking Opera face samples provided in the experience area, while others added elements of impressionism to their works, using bright colors and unique patterns. In the end, all of the students created personalized styles.

Chinese paper-cutting, gobang, and the pictographic evolution game also gave the exchange students a chance to have their own interpretation of traditional Chinese culture. And what was once foreign soon became loved. Several students even asked if they could buy the pieces of gobang and take them back home!

Time flies when you’re having fun, and much fun was had! Especially in the case of a French exchange student who did her best to try all the activities that time would allow, "you know, I saw a variety of Chinese style prizes when I stepped into the door – they were so amazing! So I tried to experience all the activities in exchange for more stamps tonight, and then I got the top-level prize – the celadon bowl!”

While there were a great deal prizes to be won, many of the exchange students were so immersed in the experience activities that they forgot to get stamps altogether. As they were living in the moment, the exchange students shared that they did not regret this at all, as it was the best prize to appreciate the rich traditional culture of China, and have a great experience of their own. This was surely a night that the exchange students will take with them during their time in China, and beyond. May the warm greeting “Nihao, China!” stay with them.