Walking China, Sustaining Cultural Heritage: International Youth Study Tour in Kaifeng

On 26 July, the inaugural International Study Camp of the World Chinese Essay Competition — themed 'Walking China, Sustaining Cultural Heritage' — visited Kaifeng, touring the Hanyuan Stele Forest and Qingming Riverside Park, and watching the live performance 'The Song Dynasty: A Dream of Dongjing'. Teenagers from 10 countries paired up to explore together, promoting deeper cultural exchange between China and other countries.

In addition, the Middle School Students' Study Paper (Zhongxuesheng Xuexi Bao) and the Global Association of Cultural and Educational Exchange jointly awarded the Hanyuan Stele Forest the title 'Global Chinese Calligraphy Study Base'. Liu Dong, Deputy Director of the Kaifeng Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Sports and Tourism, attended to extend congratulations.

At the Hanyuan Stele Forest, participants observed the evolution of Chinese calligraphy and once again appreciated the enduring charm of Chinese characters — these time-travelling scripts still shine brightly today. During the 'Qu Shui Liu Shang' (Winding Stream and Floating Cups) experiential activity, children donned traditional Hanfu attire and engaged in poetic exchanges with ancient literati, completing a dialogue across time and space.

At Qingming Riverside Park, the students witnessed the prosperity of the Song Dynasty, experienced its vibrant daily life, and enjoyed various performances — especially 'Yue Fei Spears Xiao Liang Wang', 'Song Court Dream Music', and 'The Heavenly Maiden Scatters Flowers' — drawing large, enthusiastic crowds. The evening's live performance, structured around eight classical ci poems, guided audiences through the entire Song Dynasty era — truly breathtaking!

Wang Ying

Final Review: Li Kaizhen