On May 25, the 2024 Chinese Culture Land & Student Clubs Month opened at Quanzhou campus, Huaqiao University (HQU). The event was hosted by Student Affairs Office and organized by Graduate Student Association, Federation of Students’ Associations and Student Art Troupe.

The opening ceremony was kicked off with “Source”, a powerful and electrifying drum performance by the HQU 24 Festive Drum team. Lin Hailiang, an inheritor of Bu Dai Xi (glove puppets, a national intangible cultural heritage) enchanted the audiences with the puppet play “Wu Song Fights the Tiger” (adapted from a tale of Outlaws of the Marsh which is one of the four great Chinese classical novels). He also taught puppet techniques to the students after demonstration. A mesmerizing performance by a Nanyin ensemble from Quanzhou (Nanyin literally means “music in the south”, one of the oldest existing music genres in China) showcased the ethereal and elegant vocal performances alongside the delicate strains of the pipa (a traditional Chinese plucked instrument), the airy notes of the dongxiao (bamboo flute), and the resonant tones of the sanxian (a three-stringed plucked instrument).

Students also engaged in traditional cultural activities and student clubs fair. They were treated to a spectacular showcase of traditional cultural practices and heritage including Hanfu (the traditional costume for Han Chinese), Chinese herbal medicine, chanhua (the art of making silk-wrapped flowers), Chinese calligraphy, tea art, Chinese pitch-pot. While some of them were absorbed in decorating the Chinese fan and bookmarks with paintings and calligraphy, some were entranced by Xi Fa (traditional Chinese magic tricks), marveling at its artistic splendor. The fair bustled with attendees shuttling between booths, each showcasing different facets of fine traditional culture. Interactions at the 30 cultural booths were lively, as students immersed themselves in traditions and filled the campus with cheerful laughter.

Yan Qifeng from Hong Kong said, “The performances of Nanyin and Bu Dai Xi filled me with a deep appreciation for the historical depth in Minnan culture. And I was immersed in the vibrant multicultural atmosphere on display at the club fair. I hope I can make contributions to the promotion and preservation of fine traditional Chinese culture.”

So intrigued by the culture fair, senior student Song Zulin from College of Foreign Languages browsed around it twice. He said, “I stopped at most of the booths. So great to participate in such an interesting event before graduation!”

The 2024 Chinese Culture Land and Student Club Month are parts of the HQU “Chengzhi” Chinese cultural series designed to enrich HQU student life and provide vibrant extracurricular activities. The combination of launching grand outdoor culture presentation and inviting accomplished figures to share their expertise with students is to grant students the privilege of experiencing the timeless beauty of fine traditional Chinese culture firsthand.

The Opening Ceremony

Traditional Cultural Activities and Student Club Fair

(Editor: Wei Linying)