By Gao Yang

‘The actors’ clothes are very beautiful. How were they made?’ ‘Why different colours were painted on their faces when performing Beijing opera?’ On the afternoon of 11th February, 2nd day of the Chinese New Year, some international students from School of International Education of Nantong Vocational University went to Linggong Society, to feel the charm of excellent traditional Chinese culture. During the explanation of Beijing Opera culture, from the pattern of the make-up, to clothing, and the daily life of actors, the questions of the international students were all answered patiently and in detail.

After the explanation, the international students went on the stage in turns. Guided by the actors, they tried the clothes, wore the Rankou of ‘Bao Gong’, and swung the Ruyi Jingu Bang of ‘Sun Wukong’. They talked and took photos excitedly, and uploaded them to social media platforms. Some talked with their families by video conference, to share the excitement and joy.

‘I enjoyed it.’ Wittenbach Shendeny, an international student from Namibia, said that she has always liked traditional Chinese culture. She watched Chinese Beijing Opera online before, felt that the clothing and make-up of the actors were all very magnificent. She was very glad to experience it herself.

There are 141 international students in Nantong Vocational University. They come from multiple countries including Namibia, Liberia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Pakistan. ‘In this winter holiday, 91 international students stay in Nantong in the school.’ Zhi Mingyuan, a teacher from School of International Education of Nantong Vocational University said that the school prepared activities for them such as eating reunion dinner, experiencing Beijing Opera, and cycling around the mountain.

‘We hope that through various activities, international students can feel the warmth of home and the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.’ Zhi Mingyuan said.

Folk culture of the Lantern Festival

By Xu Peiqin

On 21st February, international students from medicine and biotechnology major of School of Environmental and Biological Engineering of Nantong College of Science and Technology experienced traditional folk culture of the Lantern Festival.

On the site of the event, the international students wrote their wishes on the prayer wall. Led by the teachers, they learnt paper-cutting. Huang Meiling, an international student from Indonesia said, ‘the paper-cutting craft of China is so fantastic! I love the character “Fu”, because it means happiness and blessings!’ The international students also guessed lantern riddles with the participants and experienced the fun of Pitch-pot.

‘I love traditional Chinese culture very much. In the past half year of my studying in Nantong College of Science and Technology, I have participated in many folk culture experience activities. I am full of expectation of my future life of studying here!’ Fezzan, an international student from Pakistan, celebrated the Lantern Festival in China for the first time. He wore a magua, a type of jacket worn by the Chinese in the past, took photos in front of the background and shared with his family and friends.