Dozens of high school students from Maryland immersed themselves in traditional Chinese arts and crafts during a vibrant cultural event at Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown Community Cultural Center on November 6. The gathering, part of the ongoing "Touch of China in Chinatown" series, offered a dynamic blend of language learning and cultural exploration.
Students from Leonardtown High School—all enrolled in Chinese language courses—crafted clay pandas, practiced calligraphy, and learned intricate Chinese knot-making techniques under expert guidance. The event, organized by three local Chinese schools and the cultural center, also featured opportunities to try on traditional costumes and create ink rubbings, filling the room with laughter and lively exchange.
"I love seeing my students connect with the culture they're studying," said Chen Si, Leonardtown's lead Chinese teacher, who has witnessed generations of students deepen their understanding through such immersive experiences. "When they engage with these traditions firsthand, it transforms textbook lessons into meaningful connections."
For senior Kinsey Albin, the event reinforced her four-year journey with Mandarin: "It started as a class recommendation, but now I see it as a bridge to understanding people." Classmates Drake Hozier and Evan Dearden echoed aspirations to visit China, while nine-year language learner Lily Jiang shared how family trips shaped her appreciation for cultural nuances.
Artist Zhang Longze, who guided the activities, emphasized the program's mission: "These hands-on experiences help young people see China through their own eyes—beyond headlines and stereotypes." As students compared handcrafted pandas and debated the challenges of brush calligraphy, the event underscored how cultural exchange fosters both personal growth and international understanding.
