Young expats explore Tai'an city's rich culture

Six young expats – from Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Rwanda and Tajikistan – recently embarked on a fascinating tour to explore the rich culture of Ningyang county, administered by Tai'an city, in East China's Shandong province.

Members of the group appreciated the integration of Confucian culture and the natural landscape at the 4A-level Fusheng Cultural Park, which boasts a water area of 100,000 square meters and wetlands area of 30,000 sq m.

Elsewhere in China's first cultural experience museum themed on family history, the young expats felt curious about the Yan Shi Jia Xun, or the Yan's Family Instructions, and other ancient books and classics related to family traditions and teachings in modern times. They also tried their hand at making rubbings of Yan Hui, who was the favorite disciple of Confucius.

A foreign student proudly shows off a rubbing she made. [Photo by Kong Xinxin for chinadaily.com.cn]

Later on, they learned how to wear the hanfu – traditional Chinese garments – and got to learn about the origins of Han clothing. A traditional pitch-pot game was also introduced, so they could have some hands-on fun. 

Moving forwards, plans are for Ningyang county to regularly invite foreign students to visit and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the area. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)

Foreign students learn to wear hanfu. [Photo by Kong Xinxin for chinadaily.com.cn]