April 20, 2026 marked the 7th International Chinese Language Day. Shi Haige from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the third batch of teachers dispatched by our university to deliver international Chinese teaching at the Chinese Learning and Testing Center of Hassan I University in Morocco, seized the opportunity of the International Chinese Language Day to host a themed event series titled "Chinese Language Connects the Silk Road, Civilizations Learn from Each Other".
Ink Nourishes the Mind: Eastern Philosophy Embodied in Yan-style Calligraphy Strokes
Chinese characters are not merely a communication tool, but also a carrier of Eastern philosophy. At the calligraphy experience zone, equipped with writing brushes, ink and ink trays, the instructor introduced tracing practice. Students were guided to grasp the way of life featuring moderation and peace amid horizontal, vertical, left-falling and right-falling strokes. Through writing, they perceived the cultural connotation of upright and dignified Chinese characters, understood traditional Chinese values of abiding by norms and cultivating virtue, and practiced the self-cultivation principle that "style reflects the person, and one should conduct oneself with integrity".
Ingenuity of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Silk Road Friendship Woven Between Fingertips
The intangible cultural heritage experience zone served as the most vivid footnote for people-to-people connectivity. At the paper-cutting station, students appreciated the enduring philosophy of continuity in Chinese aesthetics embodied in the art principle of "no break in thousands of cuts". They refined craftsmanship with meticulous attention to details. At the weaving station, red silk threads twisted and wound between fingertips to form Chinese knots symbolizing unity and solidarity. The teacher told students that red stands for auspiciousness and joy, and also symbolizes vibrant vitality and sincere friendship. One single red thread twists and turns to form a knot. Likewise, though separated by vast oceans, China and Morocco maintain close ties forged by handcrafts, forming an everlasting bond along the Silk Road.
Elegance of Folk Customs: Cultural Warmth in Motion and Stillness
Inside the classroom, the chopstick experience zone illustrated the philosophy of balance between stillness and movement. The instructor explained the wisdom behind the utensils based on the ancient concept of "heaven is round and earth is square". Students progressed from clumsy attempts to skilled handling, appreciating the beauty of coordination and balance.The activity area echoed with cheers. Colorful feather shuttlecocks flew up and down as students counted aloud in Chinese while kicking. Some participants tried table tennis for the first time. Though struggling to bounce the ball at the beginning, they improved steadily counting "one, two, three". Skipping ropes arched like rainbows, and everyone cooperated in rhythm. Traditional folk sports turned into a lively oral Chinese classroom.Nearby, the "Red Envelope Renewal" activity brimmed with warmth. Participants shared newly learned blessings with peers. Sincere Chinese greetings such as "Wish you good health", "Peace and happiness" and "Happy birthday" reverberated in the classroom. The iconic Chinese red became the warmest bond linking China-Morocco friendship.
Children’s Colorful Creations: Stories of Chinese Characters on Mini Canvas
The picture book coloring activity designed for beginner Chinese learners was full of joy. Students colored mythical figures and cartoon animals with Chinese painting brushes, with Nezha and sika deer being most popular. The instructor took the chance to explain cultural meanings: Nezha represents unyielding fighting spirit; the sika deer symbolizes blessing as its pronunciation resembles the Chinese character for "blessing (lu)", and sounds close to "road (lu)", carrying the profound message "I will walk alongside you all the way".Students walked toward peers holding paintings of sika deer and said sincerely in halting Chinese: "It’s wonderful to have you along the way!" Participants enthusiastically wrote couplets, pouring passion for Chinese and best wishes onto paper, pushing the exchange of Chinese greetings to a climax. This learning model of "learning through play and reflecting while learning" transformed static picture books into warm ties connecting Chinese and Moroccan students.
Outcomes and Responses: From Language Exchange to Mutual Learning of Civilizations
Professor Rachid, Dean of the School of Business Administration at Hassan I University, spoke highly of the activities. He commented that starting from the first batch of teachers sowing seeds, to the third batch further advancing Chinese education over two years, Beijing Polytechnic University has facilitated the shift of local Chinese education from pure language teaching to cultural dialogue — a profound embodiment of people-to-people connectivity advocated by the Belt and Road Initiative.
As the teaching mission of the third batch progresses, our university will continue to leverage the Chinese Learning and Testing Center to explore innovative models such as "Chinese + Vocational Skills" and "Chinese + Intangible Cultural Heritage". As the instructor mentioned in the activity summary: what we bring is not only stationery and craft materials, but also a vision of civilizations featuring harmony in diversity. This serves as the warmest footnote for educational actions under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Location:
Dynamics