Against the backdrop of the “China-Russia Year of Education”, the “JISU International Study Camp” welcomed a student delegation from Chita No. 4 Secondary School of Russia on March 30. Under the theme “Sino-Russian Youth Meet, Study and March Toward a Shared Future”, the camp takes cultural exchange and study-tour practice as its bond, building a bridge of friendly interaction between Chinese and Russian youth and promoting the deep integration of language learning, mutual cultural appreciation, and youthful friendship. The 12-day program features carefully designed activities centered on language practice, cultural experience, and campus interaction, helping international youth forge profound friendships and grow together through the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations.
On April 5, the day of the Qingming Festival, the “Chinese Culture Workshop: Qingming Festival Cultural Experience Event”, hosted by the School of International Exchanges (SIE) of Jilin International Studies University, was held at Changchun Jingyuetan National Forest Park. The 24-member Russian delegation from Chita No. 4 Secondary School, taking part in the “JISU International Study Camp”, immersed themselves in the vibrant spring scenery, appreciating the unique charm of a traditional Chinese festival and deepening the bonds of cross-cultural exchange.
Student Li Dan (first row, right) leads Russian students into Jingyuetan National Forest Park
Guided and narrated by Li Dan, a master’s student majoring in International Chinese Language Education at Jilin International Studies University, the international students strolled along the winding trails, pausing from time to time to observe and capture the beautiful moments of spring with their phones. Drawing on the living landscape, Li Dan explained in detail the origins of the Qingming solar term and such traditional customs as “taqing” (spring outings), tomb sweeping, planting willow branches, flying kites, and eating “qingtuan” (green rice balls). She also introduced the cultural connotation of Qingming as a time to “honor the martyrs and cherish the present”, helping the Russian students understand that Qingming is not merely a festival for spring outings and admiring nature, but an important vessel carrying the Chinese nation’s devotion to family and country and its culture of filial piety.
Russian students learn about traditional Qingming Festival customs
During the spring outing, Li Dan also organized the international students to recite the classical Chinese poems Qingming and Spring Dawn , interpreting the profound meaning of “remembering the past and looking toward the future” embedded in the verses, and allowing the students to feel and embrace spring amid the beauty of nature.
Meng Qi from Chita No. 4 Secondary School of Russia remarked, “This is my first time experiencing a Chinese Qingming spring outing. Not only did I see the beautiful spring scenery of Jingyuetan, but I also learned a great deal about traditional Chinese culture and came to understand the meaning of Qingming as a time to express grief for the departed and cherish life. I have gained so much. I love China, and I love Chinese culture.”
Russian students take photos at Jingyuetan
Russian students pose happily for a group photo with volunteers
This Qingming spring outing is one of the themed courses of “Chinese Culture Workshop”, a signature international student education program at Jilin International Studies University. Since its establishment in 2016, the workshop has been based at the Global Village of JISU—the university’s World Multicultural Education Center. Featuring Jilin’s local folk culture and guided by the fine traditional culture of China, the workshop helps international students perceive, understand, love, and spread Chinese culture through hands-on experiences of traditional festival customs and Chinese culture and the arts, thereby building a bridge to promote Sino-foreign cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Source: Publicity Department; School of International Exchanges
