On October 17th, the International Education College offered international students a hands-on experience with sugar painting, a traditional Chinese art form recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. A master artisan from the renowned Li family of Shenyang provided a detailed history of this sweet craft and guided students in creating their own sugar paintings. The students were visibly excited about their creations, marveling at the intricate art form and eagerly sharing their masterpieces with friends and family.

Sugar painting, a time-honored Chinese folk art, is more than just a confectionery delight; it's a delicate art form steeped in cultural significance. Tracing its roots back to the Song Dynasty, early sugar paintings primarily depicted simple figures and animals. As the centuries passed, the craft evolved, with artisans developing more sophisticated techniques and expanding their repertoire to include intricate designs of flowers, landscapes, and even calligraphy.

Today, sugar painting stands as a cherished piece of China's intangible cultural heritage, captivating visitors from both home and abroad.

The art of sugar painting unfolds in three main stages: syrup preparation, design creation, and color application. Initially, artisans heat a precise mixture of sugar and water to create a thick, malleable syrup. Next, wielding specialized tools or even simple spoons, they skillfully draw intricate patterns on a metal plate, their movements quick and precise. Finally, they bring their creations to life by adding vibrant hues with colored syrups, transforming the sweet medium into stunning, edible art.

Following the sugar painting workshop, the international students explored Zhongjie, one of Shenyang's most iconic streets. As they strolled along the bustling thoroughfare, they were struck by the harmonious blend of traditional architecture and contemporary boutiques. The rows of time-honored establishments and winding alleyways seemed to whisper tales of Shenyang's rich history and cultural heritage, offering the students a deeper appreciation for the city's unique charm.

In their own words......

林志伟（印度尼西亚）——昨天我们班去了中街，这是我们第一次做糖画儿，我们和老师们一起去的。在那边糖人师傅教我们糖画儿，我画了螃蟹，真有趣。然后画完的时候老师给我和糖画拍照。我们还去了个地方叫头条胡同。昨天我特别开心。

克里斯（印度尼西亚）——昨天我们班坐地铁去了中街。 在中街我们一起做糖画然后一个阿姨辅导我画兔子，好看。 最后我们照照相，我觉得昨天好玩儿。 我希望下个月我们再去玩儿。

尤乐（也门）——昨天学校带我们去中街参加活动，这是我第一次见糖画，我很喜欢，很有意思，我的朋友们都没见过，所以我想带他们去看看。

安卡德（布基纳法索）——大家好，首先，我要感谢我的老师给了我们这个机会，让我们了解美丽的中国文化。我学到了很多，我也喜欢这些食物。这也是我与朋友和老师更亲近的机会。非常感谢我的老师和所有参与组织这次学习的工作人员。