From March 7th to 9th, Tongji University's international students took part in the "Experience China" event, which took them to Huangshan City. The event was organized by the China Scholarship Council and hosted by Tongji University. A group of 27 international students from 16 countries, including Germany, Italy, France, and the United States, participated in a three-day cultural study tour focusing on Huizhou culture in Huangshan City.
On the afternoon of March 7th, after arriving in Huangshan, the group visited the World Heritage site—Hongcun. Known as the "village in a Chinese painting," this ancient settlement showcased its well-preserved Hui-style architecture and unique water system layout, offering the international students a vivid picture of Huizhou's historical and cultural heritage.
While visiting the Wang Family Ancestral Hall, students learned about the grand scale and exquisite carvings of the hall, which was first built during the Ming Dynasty. It reflected the Huizhou people's strong emphasis on clan identity and the traditional virtue of filial piety. They then moved on to Nanhuhui Academy, which highlighted Huizhou's reverence for education and the pursuit of knowledge. Strolling through the alleys of Hongcun, admiring the white walls, dark tiles, and towering horsehead walls of the Hui-style houses, the students deeply felt the delicate design and rich cultural heritage of Huizhou architecture.
On the morning of the 8th, the international students traveled to Yi County to visit the century-old brand—Lao Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory. Under the guidance of a representative of intangible cultural heritage, the students had the opportunity to experience firsthand the process of making Huizhou ink and She stone inkstones. They also learned the art of gilding Huizhou ink and tried their hand at carving on inkstones. They were deeply moved by the profound depth of Chinese traditional culture and the spirit of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, the students explored the ancient city of Huizhou, immersing themselves in its rich cultural heritage. They stopped in front of the Tangyue Archway Group, where they listened to the stories behind the archways, feeling the Huizhou people's reverence for education, loyalty, filial piety, and traditional virtues.
On the 9th, the international students visited Huangshan University for academic exchanges with faculty and students, deepening their understanding of Chinese traditional culture. During a tea ceremony class, a tea master explained the essence of Chinese tea culture in detail and demonstrated the entire tea-making process, including warming the cups, adding tea, pouring water, and serving the tea, along with the graceful hand gestures involved. The international students observed closely and even had the opportunity to try it themselves, experiencing the tranquility and elegance of Chinese tea culture as the aroma of tea filled the air.
Next, the students participated in a Huizhou cuisine-making experience. Under the guidance of a chef, they learned how to prepare a traditional Huizhou dish—stinky mandarin fish. From selecting the ingredients to mastering cooking techniques, the international students were fully engaged and hands-on. Although the unique taste of stinky mandarin fish surprised some, the students all agreed that it was an unforgettable culinary experience that gave them a deeper understanding of Huizhou's food culture.
The "Experience China - Huangshan Trip" event is one of Tongji University's international student cultural experience programs. Its aim is to help international students gain a better understanding of China's history, culture, and contemporary development through on-site visits, cultural experiences, and academic exchanges. This initiative allows students to better understand and integrate into China, and to serve as friendly cultural ambassadors between China and other countries.
