April 20 marked the 14th UN Chinese Language Day and the 4th International Chinese Language Day. On April 19, Shenyang Normal University held events such as wearing traditional Han Chinese clothing, enjoying tea art and learning weiqi, attracting more than 30 international students from 10 countries including Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Jordan and Palestine.

While learning weiqi, the foreign students not only perceived its rich cultural connotation, but also got to know weiqi terms such as “Qi” (liberty) and “Jing Wei” (horizontal and vertical axis on the board). “Chinese weiqi is so interesting!” Liza and Kseniya from Russia, after learning the basic knowledge of weiqi, went back and forth and “dueled” with each other. “Weiqi is the embodiment of Chinese culture and civilization, and the charm of which can be sensed in every step of the game. In the future, we will continue to learn weiqi and experience the profound Chinese culture through it,” Liza said.

Wear traditional Han Chinese clothing, learn tea art and taste fragrant tea. International students put on the traditional Han Chinese clothing with help of their teachers and experienced the Chinese tea art from the tea master. “This is the first time I have worn traditional Han Chinese clothing. It is ancient, delicate, and just so beautiful!” Shireen from Jordan decided to buy herself a traditional Han Chinese clothing after the event, “traditional Han Chinese clothing and tea art are both representatives of traditional Chinese culture, and the encounter of the two shows the beauty of Chinese culture to the fullest.”

“International Chinese Language Day” aims to promote the spread and use of the Chinese language in the world and to enhance dialogue and communication among civilizations. “I hope that with the theme activities, international students in Liaoning can greatly feel the charm of Chinese culture.” Tong Yuping, vice president of Shenyang Normal University, said, “in the future, more Chinese cultural experience activities will be held to let international students understand China and Liaoning more deeply.”