Knowing China activity begins in Zhejiang Normal University
Knowing China activity begins in Zhejiang Normal University
On 14th May the opening ceremony for the activity which combines culture, history and economics known as“Knowing China”was held in the College of Mathematics, Physics and Information Engineering’s first floor lecture hall. The event was organized by the China Scholarship Council, hosted by Zhejiang Normal University and supported by the Jinhua Foreign Affairs Office.
This event was attended by members of Jinhua’s Foreign Affairs Office, ZJNU’s International Department, the College of Mathematics, Physics and Information Engineering, more than 130 successful applicants of the Chinese Government Scholarship and international students from 43 different countries. As a part an annual activity regarding the Asean Education and Training Center, “Asean countries international students experience the new Zhejiang” activity was held at the same time.
After the opening ceremony ended, international students and accompanying members of staff headed out on their journey that would take them to Pujiang county’s “First Family of Southern China”, Siping & suoping ancient village, Jinhua’s Museum, 5173; Jinhua’s largest game service company, Jinhua’s national economic & technological development zone and lele town for a 2 day on-site exploration.
Experiencing history Through Family Culture
At the First Family in Southern China, students noticed decorations in the shapes of “孝”“义”and“家”. Members of staff explained the specific meaning behind each decoration as well as giving insight into the history of the Zheng family and their 15 generations of living and eating together. Sali from Uzbekistan said that“The tradition of so many people living together is really special, I think it all comes from Chinese culture, I want to understand it more”. Through this activity Sali has gained a much deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
Walking along the forest of family rules written on large stones, Xiaogan Springs and the spirit pavilion there was a strong sense ancient life coming from the surroundings, the students jumped at the chance to ask the translators and tour guide for more background information about the special buildings. The First Family in Southern China’s Zheng family ancestral hall is one of the local places that embodies “家”（home / family) the best. The building interior, style, ancient relics and Zheng family statues truly are a fascinating way to learn about Chinese culture.
In the Jinahua museum, the international students experienced Jinhua’s beauty though studying history, geology, ancient villages, business culture and literature & art these 5 different perspectives. Ethiopian student Laita said “Inside the museum I found a new understanding of this city’s history and cultural development, I have seeper feelings towards Jinhua now.”Laita is a Doctorate student in the school’s College of Mathematics, Physics and Information Engineering.
Ancient Village Culture Astounded International Students
In the historic towns of China; Siping and Suoyuan ancient villages, the international students had a taste of local customs, appreciated Anhui style buildings, as well as getting hands on with some of the ancient practices. Under the leadership of the mayor, international students witnessed the art of paper cutting, measuring fengshui, weaving straw shoes, homemade rice cake, grinding soybean milk, as well as marriage rituals and a latern dragon.
Qiu Yanghai, one of the leaders of the international students said that“Chinese culture is just like wine, the more you taste the more you love it,”.A few of the students who took part in this year’s activity are familiar faces from the last knowing China activity. After Buba, a Cameroonian student sampled some Chinese wine he said “The people here are so enthusiastic, i feel completely “drunk”of this amazing cultural experience.While discussing the reason for Buba’s second visit to Suoyuan village, he said that he believes it’s the villagers hospitality that made him fall in love with this place.The new addition of the African sharon hall is another reason for his fondness towards the village. “The layout is incredibly well done, it feels just like home.”
That night, the international students settled down into this new home. While talking about his previous home stay experience, Buba talked about how hospitable the family he stayed with was, they even catered to his dietary needs. This time upon his return to Suoyuan village he said that it was just like coming back home. “I have two homes! One in Cameroon and one right here in Suoyuan village!”
A feel of the Jinhua’s new economic development
Along with the rapid development of the internet, there has been a flood of companies using this new technology to their advantage. 5173 is one among this hotbed of activity. Through the aid of a worker at the company the international students learned about the company’s development, the workers jobs as well as getting a peek into the inner workings of the company.
Little lele village, which was completed as of last year, is a small community designed to create “internet entertainment and happiness for university students”. Beijing University Information Science and Technology park is also based in this small community. An international student by the name of Laita said that it’s here where the “new Jinhua” can be seen fully. He also said “here in Beijing Industrial and Technology Park you can see the first steps of these companies using the internet as a tool to further their business. As for me, it doesn’t matter weather it’s from Jinhua’s economic development, it’s amazing culture, or even a combination of the two, i think it’s really worth studying.”
