On the afternoon of November 21, 2024, the ‌School of International Education‌’s "Stitching Cantonese Rhythms" faculty-student team organized a Cantonese embroidery cultural study activity for international students. This event, part of the ‌"Guangzhou Social Science Popularization Series"‌ hosted by the Guangzhou Federation of Social Sciences, was undertaken by the School of International Education at Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University (Multimodal International Communication Base for Lingnan Culture Social Science Promotion).

The activity began with an introduction by Chen Bojun, leader of the "Stitching Cantonese Rhythms" team, and team member Huang Rui, who elaborated on the historical origins, artistic characteristics, and the team’s achievements in social practice related to Cantonese embroidery. As international students listened to the presentation and admired a series of exquisite Cantonese embroidery works, they gained a profound understanding of the craft’s cultural depth and sparked their curiosity to explore it further. Subsequently, team members paired up with the students for hands-on embroidery instruction, allowing the international participants to experience the meticulous artistry of traditional Chinese culture through their own stitches.

As a traditional craft of Guangzhou and a national intangible cultural heritage, Cantonese embroidery (Cantonese: Yuexiu) not only embodies the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Lingnan region but also stands as a cultural treasure deeply rooted in local identity. Renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and unique artistic style, Cantonese embroidery once captivated European high society from the 15th to 18th centuries as a key export commodity. Today, it remains a cultural bridge connecting the past and present, as well as local traditions and the global stage.

During the activity, students immersed themselves in learning the techniques of Cantonese embroidery. Upon completing their own embroidered pieces, the international students beamed with pride and satisfaction as they admired their handiwork. Participants shared that the event built a cross-cultural communication platform, deepening their appreciation and love for China’s traditional culture. Meanwhile, members of the "Stitching Cantonese Rhythms" team reflected that the experience reinforced their commitment to studying and preserving Chinese cultural heritage. They expressed a desire to enhance their ability to share China’s stories, contribute to the creative evolution of traditional culture, and bolster the global influence of Chinese culture.

(Author: Chen Bojun | Editor: Zhang Yan | Reviewer: Yu Zhong’en)