This spring, cultural classes offered by the International College of DGUT stepped out of classrooms and into the water town. The series consisted of four sessions: three indoor cultural workshops and one immersive outdoor study tour. Through hands-on creation and field trips, international students gained a vivid understanding of traditional Chinese and Lingnan culture.

I. Sichuan Opera and Mask Culture: Capturing the Charm of Traditional Opera with Every Stroke

On April 10, the cultural course on Sichuan Opera and masks kicked off this semester’s activities. Teachers introduced the iconic face-changing stunt of Sichuan Opera and the symbolic meanings of mask colors: red masks represent loyalty and bravery, black masks stand for integrity and righteousness, and white masks signify craftiness and scheming. Students delved into the fascinating world of Sichuan Opera, then picked up paintbrushes to design their own opera masks, experiencing the artistic allure of traditional Chinese opera through painting.

II. Papermaking, One of China’s Four Great Ancient Inventions: Touching the Ingenuity of Millennia with Pulp and Paper

The papermaking workshop was held on April 17. Students learned about the origin and technical principles of ancient papermaking, then tried the full traditional craft by themselves — mixing pulp, dipping paper moulds, and decorating paper with flowers and plants. Each student created unique handmade floral paper, gaining firsthand insight into the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese inventors.

III. Mahjong Culture: One game, one round—understanding the social philosophy of the Chinese people

On April 24, the Mahjong cultural session brought a lively and relaxing interactive experience. Lecturers covered the origins, basic rules, table manners and cultural wisdom behind Mahjong, a popular Chinese strategy game. Afterwards, students played Mahjong in groups. By drawing tiles, discarding tiles, and claiming chows, pongs, and kongs, you can personally experience the social culture and joys of life inherent in Mahjong.

IV. Intangible Cultural Heritage Study Tour in the Water Town: Immersing in Danjia Culture Amid Scenic Waterscapes

On May 8, the cultural class ventured off-campus to Shatian Town, Dongguan. International students cruised along Suifengnian Waterway to hear stories of the Danjia people, who made their homes on the water. Later, they visited the Danjia Culture and Art Center to practice straw weaving, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Dongguan. Weaving with straw strips let them appreciate the simple, timeless charm of this folk craft. This outdoor trip, combining boat tours and handcrafting, served as a wonderful finale to the semester’s cultural courses.

Four courses, four unique encounters. From the symbolic colors of opera masks to the timeless ingenuity of papermaking, from the social wisdom of Mahjong to the gentle warmth of water-town Danjia traditions, international students drew closer to the depths of Chinese culture through immersive experiences.

The International College of DGUT will continue to take cultural exchange as a bridge connecting China and the rest of the world, nurturing international students who can share authentic Chinese stories and serve as friendly liaisons linking the Greater Bay Area to the globe.