Double Ninth Festival Activities

—School of Liberal Arts Organizes International Students to Explore Chinese Cultural Heritage at Xijin Ferry

Autumn brings refreshing breezes as the Double Ninth Festival draws near. To carry forward China’s fine traditional culture and help international students gain an in-depth understanding of traditional Chinese festivals and Zhenjiang’s local cultural heritage, the School of Liberal Arts (Center for Language and Culture) organized over thirty international students from Iran, Kazakhstan, Algeria and other countries to join a Double-Ninth-themed study tour at the Xijin Ferry Historic and Cultural Block on October 16. Amid the autumn scenery of the ancient street, they experienced intangible cultural heritage and savoured the poetic charm of the Double Ninth Festival.

The first stop of the tour was Zhenjiang Folk Culture and Art Museum and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, where the group visited the special exhibition on guqin craftsmanship. Cai Wei, provincial-level inheritor of this intangible heritage skill, guided the students to learn about guqin making and elaborated on the cultural connotations behind this ancient art. Master Cai played Flowing Water live. The students listened attentively. Through the serene melody, they appreciated the dedication behind turning fine timber into an elegant instrument, as well as the exquisite beauty of this heritage craft and the timeless artistic conception of classical Chinese music.

Red cords twisted between fingers, with knots carrying heartfelt wishes. At the Chinese knot workshop, the students wove the knots by hand. Twisting and looping the threads, they discovered the ingenuity of this traditional handcraft. The red knots embodied their sincere wishes for peace and good fortune for the Double Ninth Festival.

Climbing up to admire the scenery, connecting spiritually with ancient scholars. Afterwards, the students ascended Yuntaige Pavilion. Leaning on the railings, they overlooked the timeless scenery of Xijin Ferry and experienced the age-old custom of mountain climbing on the Double Ninth Festival. Teachers led them to recite the famous Tang poem Thinking of My Brothers on Mountain Climbing Day. In the resonant recitation, they resonated with the ancient poets’ longing for hometown, and cherished the precious time together with teachers and peers.

Integrating Double Ninth customs, the guqin intangible heritage and local Zhenjiang culture, this off-campus activity immersed international students in traditional Chinese culture through on-site experiences and deepened their understanding and empathy towards Chinese civilization. Rooted in cultural experiences, the event built a warm, lively bridge for exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilizations and promoted mutual learning among diverse cultures.