By Hu Lan   Photos by Kong Jiaqi et al.   Reviewed by He Ying

From September 4 to 13, 2026, delegations from the Jagiellonian University Confucius Institute in Poland and ‌Sapienza University of Rome ‌Confucius Institute in Italy visited the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Ningbo University, participating in the ten-day “Chinese Culture Experience Week.” Co-hosted by the Faculty of Foreign Languages and the Youth League Committee of Ningbo Urban Construction Investment Group, the event aimed to deepen mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, promote educational cooperation among countries along the Belt and Road, and facilitate the global dissemination of Chinese culture.

During the event, delegation members engaged in a series of thematic lectures and immersive cultural experiences. In the lecture titled “From Word-View to World-view: A Philological Approach to Hanzi,” Professor Wang Songlin provided an in-depth analysis of the cultural significance and philosophical thoughts embedded in Chinese characters. During the “Bailu Incense Sachet Making Experience,” which was tied to the traditional solar term of Bailu (White Dew), Ms. Liu Jing guided the delegates in crafting traditional sachets, allowing them to experience the aesthetics of traditional Chinese lifestyle. Additionally, Bai Songxu, an associate professor from the Pan Tianshou College of Architecture, Art and Design led the “Traditional Chinese Painting Art” lecture, guiding participants through classic masterpieces such as Along the River During the Qingming Festival to appreciate the artistic conception of ink and wash painting.

The field visit itinerary was equally diverse and enriching. The delegations first visited Tianyi Pavilion, the oldest existing private library in Asia, to feel the profound heritage of Chinese classical literature. At the Metaverse Industrial Park of Ningbo Urban Construction Investment Group, they experienced the innovative fusion of digital technology and traditional culture. A visit to the Chengyu Talent Apartment offered insights into modern urban living models for young professionals. At the Drum Tower Xiushui Street, delegates participated in a Yue Opera experience, where they appreciated the perfect blend of traditional Chinese opera art and Jiangnan architectural aesthetics in a traditional residence. Finally, the group traveled to Beilun Chuanshan Port and the China Port Museum to witness the vibrant vitality and open landscape of Ningbo as a key node port on the Maritime Silk Road.

The event also featured a special exchange session between Chinese and international university students. The two groups engaged in dialogues on topics such as language learning, youth development, and cross-cultural understanding, while also participating in joint Chinese language learning activities. Through these interactions, young people from both sides strengthened their friendships and deepened their mutual understanding, sowing the seeds for future cooperation.

The “Chinese Culture Experience Week” was not only a cultural journey but also a vivid practice of civilizational dialogue. Through multi-dimensional experiences involving “seeing, listening, doing, and learning,” teachers and students from the European Confucius Institutes gained a deeper perception of the unique charm of Chinese culture. The event further strengthened the ties between Chinese and foreign educators and young students, building a bridge for future exchanges.