On April 9th, Huaqiao University inaugurated the 31st Shang & Ding Chinese Cultural Festival at its Quanzhou campus.

Themed by "Gathering the Maritime Silk Road and Sending the Best Wishes to China", the opening ceremony was divided into three chapters based on the culture of Fujian region: "Zhi Li Shang Shang" (Respectful Rituals),"Li Yu Zhonghua" (Chinese Etiquette), and "Qu Shui Liu Shang" (Enjoyment of Life and Toasts). Attendees, including teachers and students, immersed themselves in the traditional culture and arts of the region, exploring everything from poetry and literature to music and etiquette. They appreciated a range of exquisite artworks such as the Song style (Dian Cha) tea ceremony, Nanyin and Guqin music, puppet show, and Xunpu-style folk dance. In the cultural fair of "Qu Shui Liu Shang" (Enjoyment of Life and Toasts), teachers and students experienced a variety of traditional cultural skills on the spot, such as the dough figurines making, marionettes on strings, Yongchun paper-weaving paintings, Song style (Dian Cha) tea ceremony, brass rubbing, Cuju (an ancient Chinese ball game) and Pitch-Pot. Through immersive participation in the festival's cultural activities, they are able to preserve and continue its legacy for future generations.

Performance of Traditional Cultural Treasures

Shang & Ding Chinese Culture Festival, which has been preserved for over three decades, remains dedicated to the philosophy of promoting the finest art and traditional culture. The festival adheres to the principle of preserving and developing cultural heritage, as well as demonstrating cultural confidence to the public.

In the next two months, the Shang & Ding Chinese Culture Festival will place a special emphasis on the theme of "Li (Rites)", and explore six dimensions: trust, music, righteousness, study, respect, and education. The festival will feature a range of sub-activities, including a Chinese character culture competition, a Zayton poetry recitation session, classics reading, and Chinese classics education. These activities aim to foster students’ appreciation of the virtues of goodness and harmony, ultimately contributing to their holistic development.

The cultural festival is jointly hosted by the Promotion Base of National Language and Chinese characters of HQU, the Publicity Department of Party Committee of HQU, the Department of Students Affairs, and the College of Humanities of HQU. Other contributors include the Education Demonstration Base of “Shang & Ding Culture and National Studies Inheritance" and Quanzhou Literature and Art Critics Association. The organizing responsibilities for the event have been undertaken by Huaqiao University's College of Humanities' Student Affairs Office and the Communist Youth League.

On-site Activities

（Editor: Cai Juntao）