On July 13th, a delegation of 11 teachers and students from Kazakhstan completed a one-week Chinese cultural summer camp at Shenyang Aerospace University. With the theme EXPLORE SHENYANG, ENJOY SAU, this camp aimed to deepen Kazakhstani youths' understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture through diverse cultural experiences and course learning.
The camp officially started on July 8th. Throughout the week, the International Education College of Shenyang Aerospace University carefully planned the schedule for the Kazakhstani campers. They arranged Chinese language classes, an overview of Chinese culture, and cultural experiences. In the Chinese language classes, campers actively participated and diligently worked to enhance their language skills. The overview of Chinese culture course offered them a thorough and in-depth understanding of China's rich history and magnificent culture.
IEC also organized a variety of excursions for the campers. On campus, at the University History Museum and the Liaoning General Aviation Research Institute, campers experienced the unique aviation culture of the school. In Beiling Park, they felt the magnificence and tranquillity of the royal garden. At Shenyang Imperial Palace, they seemed to travel through time, witnessing the glorious history of the Qing Dynasty. Strolling along the historic Shenyang Zhongjie, they experienced the unique charm of a city where prosperity and antiquity coexist, tasted authentic Northeast Chinese snacks, and enjoyed the rich urban culture.
The summer camp also included a series of experiences in traditional Chinese culture. Campers personally experienced the charm of Chinese calligraphy and painting, feeling the allure of traditional Chinese art through brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. They also appreciated the charm of Chinese classical poetry in poetry classes and felt the unique charm of Chinese music through singing. During the experience of the Liaoning Intangible Cultural Heritage Project - Li's Sugar Art, campers learned the traditional skills of blowing, sculpting, and painting sugar figures, personally experiencing the techniques of shaking, lifting, pressing, releasing, and collecting, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes high, sometimes low, creating vivid animal shapes and cartoon characters. Through these activities, campers not only broadened their knowledge but also planted a deep love and yearning for Chinese culture in their hearts.
In addition, IEC specially arranged an intercity experience session for the campers to visit Benxi Liaoning University of Science and Technology for exchange and learning. Under the meticulous organization of Liaoning University of Science and Technology, campers experienced traditional Chinese folk activities such as making dumplings, paper cutting and tea ceremony, learning each activity earnestly and enjoying it. The wonders and effects of traditional Chinese medicine also aroused their strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine.
On July 13th, the summer camp concluded amid laughter and joy. At the closing ceremony, Kazakhstani campers expressed that this summer camp was an unforgettable experience in their lives. They not only gained knowledge but also made friends and grew personally. They said they would bring the cultural knowledge and beautiful memories learned in China back to Kazakhstan and share them with more people.
The summer camp was not just a cultural exchange, but also an emotional experience. Through diverse activities, students from Kazakhstan deepened their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, strengthening the friendship and trust between the youth of both countries. Such cultural exchange activities are expected to occur more frequently in the future, serving as a solid bridge for friendly exchanges between the people of China and Kazakhstan.
