The activity is one of the series of theme events, which is organized by the Jiangsu Education Department and hosted by Jiangsu Normal University (JSNU), came to a successful close on May 21st. Over 140 international students from 18 universities across Jiangsu visited Xuzhou to explore its historical landmarks and natural beauty, experience the charm of ancient and modern stories and Chinese poetry as well as sample the local cuisine.
The theme events are also the key initiatives in international student education in Jiangsu province this year. Through collaborative efforts of multiple cities and universities, books related to Jiangsu culture are accessible to international students. After reading that, they visit different places of interest within the province, integrating history, culture, and customs by experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Nanjing, Suzhou, the Grand Canal, and Han Dynasty. In this way, the initiatives enhance the knowledge and understanding of China’s contemporary development and traditional culture among international students. The activity is the second stop of the series of event.
The representative of the International College of JSNU extended a warm welcome to the guests, partner universities, and international students in attendance, and provided an overview of the event arrangements. On behalf of Jiangsu Education Department and Jiangsu Foreign Student Education Management Research Association, Yu Xiaonan expressed his hope at the launch ceremony that every international student could benefit from reading books related to Jiangsu culture and ambassadors for cultural exchange between China and other countries. Yu Xiaonan encouraged all international students to seize this opportunity to read more related books, engage in deep communication and immerse themselves in local culture to explore Xuzhou which is a blessed place of numerous talents and abounds with cultural heritage.
The representative of the international students, a Dominican student from JSNU, who has been living in Xuzhou for four years, said in his speech that this event allowed them to personally experience the profound and extensive cultural heritage of Nanjing, Suzhou, the Grand Canal, and Han Dynasty. He hoped to contribute to the cooperation and development between countries in the future as well.
Subsequently, doctoral supervisor and professor Zhang Zhongmou from the School of Chinese Language and Literature delivered a lecture on the Chinese poet Su Shi to the international students, guiding them through the appreciation of poetry, and experiencing the enchanting artistic realm of Xuzhou.
After the launch ceremony, more than 140 international students visited Xuzhou Museum, where they were instantly captivated by the exquisite and remarkable cultural relics and experienced the profound culture of Han Dynasty. On the morning of May 21st, the students and teachers came to Hubushan, and they stood before the statue of General Xiang Yu at the Horsemanship Watching Stage and recited his last poem with great enthusiasm to feel the heroic aspirations of historical figures. Accompanied by the tour guide, they later visited places including the former residence of Cui Tao and the Stone Sculptures of Tombs of Han Dynasty Art Museum in Xuzhou.
