By He Ying，Shi Zhou'anjian,

Yan Yiran

The Jagiellonian University (UJ)-Ningbo University (NBU) Chinese Culture Theme Week Exchange Program concluded with a ceremony held at the Tianyige Museum in Ningbo on September 12th.

The seven-day program, jointly organized by UJ and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at NBU, aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding and friendship between Chinese and Polish students through diverse cultural and academic activities.

"The program presents a great opportunity for our students to learn from each other's cultures and foster mutual understanding," said Professor He Ying, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at NBU.

Throughout the week, Chinese and Polish students engaged in diverse activities, with a series of lectures on Chinese culture, literature, and history marking the beginning of their cultural learning.

Lectures included "Laozi and the Tao Te Ching: A Global Perspective" by Professor Xin Hongjuan on Chinese philosophy. The Polish students then learned to read aloud the San Tzu Ching with Chinese student Wang Xinyu. The San Tzu Ching, originally written in Eastern Zhejiang as a primer for children, continues to demonstrate its enduring significance in local culture today. Associate Professors Lin Yan and Bai Songxu spoke on Chinese tea culture, flower arranging, and painting techniques.

A highlight of the week was the city tours in Ningbo, which offered a fascinating glimpse into China's vibrant and evolving culture.

The tours featured immersive activities, including a Chinese art exhibition, tastings of Ningbo cuisine and steamed rice cakes from Liangnong, Yuyao, direct participation in traditional crafts, and a visit to a green energy plant. These tours offered the students a comprehensive insight into modern China, inspiring them to explore Eastern culture more deeply and discover its unique charm.

"Everything is so beautiful and amazing in Ningbo," remarked Martyna Kostecka, a Polish student from UJ. "Your rich history and traditional culture are well-preserved in this modern city."

On the final day, a roundtable brought together Chinese and Polish participants to reflect on the outcomes of the week. The significance of cultural exchange in promoting global understanding and cooperation was the most discussed topic.

"It has truly been an enriching and fulfilling week for me," said Shi Zhouanjian, a Chinese student majoring in translation. "It underscores the crucial role that people-to-people exchanges play in this ever-changing world."