Students from Italy, Japan, Brazil, and 120 other countries and regions gathered in Beijing this week for the annual 'Chinese Bridge' cultural exchange program. Qi Rui, a participant from Italy, joined peers in immersive workshops exploring Beijing courtyard architecture, Tai Chi, and traditional calligraphy at the Center for Language Education and Cooperation.
The event highlighted cross-cultural collaboration through hands-on activities like reenacting Peking Opera scenes and analyzing the Terracotta Warriors' historical significance. 'We’re not just learning characters – we’re building understanding,' said Qi, noting how shared laughter over dumpling-making techniques bridged language barriers.
Organizers emphasized the program’s role in fostering people-to-people diplomacy, with participants exchanging perspectives on sustainable cultural preservation. The closing ceremony featured a group performance blending Chinese folk instruments with global musical traditions, symbolizing what one attendee called 'friendship without borders.'
