To promote cultural exchange between China and other countries and deepen international students' understanding of exceptional traditional Chinese culture, the School of International Education of Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University (Lingnan Culture Multimodal Social Science Popularization Base) organized a study tour titled "Tracing the Legacy of Ganquan Philosophy, Appreciating Lingnan's Elegance" for on-campus international students at Ganquan Academy of Guangzhou City Polytechnic on June 11. The event was jointly hosted by the School of Marxism of Guangzhou City Polytechnic, Ganquan Academy, and the School of International Education of Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University. It was also part of the "Widely Known" Social Science Academy thematic study tour series organized by the Guangzhou Federation of Social Science Circles.
Guided by faculty members, the international students first explored several digitally enhanced experiential spaces within the academy, including the Rare Books Collection Room, Ganquan Exhibition Hall, Shixi Palace, Youyi Studio, Yanli Pavilion, Liuyi Terrace, Taihe Lounge, and Zhengxin Hall. Ancient books, solemn and timeless, stood quietly on display, seemingly narrating the glory and vicissitudes of history; vivid images and relics depicting the life of Zhan Ganquan, a renowned Ming Dynasty Lingnan philosophy master, outlined the intellectual lineage of this Confucian scholar; uniquely crafted cultural and creative products ingeniously blended traditional culture with modern innovation. All of this left the international students in awe of the depth and richness of Chinese classical texts.
Next, the students divided into three groups to participate in immersive experiential activities centered on Hanfu, tea art, and guzheng, delving into the distinctive charm of Lingnan culture. Dressing in exquisite and elegant Hanfu, the students transformed into "scholars of antiquity," personally experiencing the beauty of traditional Chinese attire and the unique allure of its millennia-old clothing culture. In the tea art session, from reciting Ganquan先生's tea poems and sampling six major tea varieties to practicing elegant tea ceremonies and brewing techniques, the students not only acquired tea art skills but also gained insights into the Chinese tradition of "making friends through tea" and the cultural essence of "harmony, tranquility, joy, and truth" embodied in tea culture. The artistically captivating guzheng class also drew significant interest. As the passionate notes of "A Laugh in the Vast Sea" resonated, the students felt as though they had transcended time and space, finding themselves amidst mountains and rivers, immersed in the philosophical concept of "harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity."
In the final segment of the event, witnessed by all international students, Professor Song Jie, Dean of the School of Marxism of Guangzhou City Polytechnic and Executive Dean of Ganquan Academy, and Professor Zhang Yan, Dean of the School of International Education of Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, signed a cooperation agreement for the joint establishment of a social science popularization base and held an unveiling ceremony.
Through tangible cultural mediums such as tea art, Hanfu, and guzheng, this event not only enriched the overseas study experience of international students but also effectively enhanced their understanding and appreciation of Lingnan culture and philosophical thought. It built a bridge for mutual learning and exchange between Chinese and global civilizations, providing vibrant cultural nourishment for cultivating international talents who understand, befriend, and cherish China. The School of International Education will continue to organize diverse cultural exchange activities, empowering international students to serve as cultural ambassadors and disseminate outstanding traditional Chinese culture and the charm of Lingnan.
(Written by: Su Jie, Reviewed by: Ma Qianmei and Zhang Yan, Final Approval by: Yu Zhong'en)
