To celebrate the 16th United Nations Chinese Language Day, Jiangsu Open University held a themed event on the morning of April 20. Scholars, educators, entrepreneurs, and Chinese and international students gathered to explore the beauty of Chinese characters through calligraphy and cultural experiences.
In her opening speech, Vice President Zhang Xiao traced the origins of Chinese characters through classical texts, emphasizing the cultural significance of “Guyu” (Grain Rain), the date designated by the UN to honor the legendary creator of Chinese script. She highlighted JSOU’s commitment to cultural heritage and global exchange through programs such as calligraphy, traditional opera, and international Chinese education, which combine tradition with modern pedagogy.
International students from Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce participating in a certificate program held by JSOU’s Foreign Language School performed the folk song Jasmine Flower at the opening ceremony. Then there were interactive sessions where guests and students wrote characters like “Guyu” and related poetry, showcasing cross-cultural appreciation. In the cultural experience zones, participants explored seal carving, block printing, tea art, and guqin performances—immersing themselves in Chinese craftsmanship, aesthetics, and philosophy. International students actively engaged in these hands-on activities, gaining deeper insights into Chinese culture with guidance from faculty.
From DIY bookmarks and fans to a ten-meter scroll of inked poetry, the event embodied cultural dialogue and shared human values—planting seeds of mutual understanding through the art of Chinese writing.
