Second International Study Tour of First Global Chinese Essay Competition Begins in Dengfeng

On 24 September, the second international study tour of the First Global Chinese Essay Competition — themed 'Walking China, Sustaining Cultural Heritage' — commenced in Dengfeng, Henan Province. Participants stepped out of classrooms and into the historic grounds of the Songyang Academy and Shaolin Temple: at this Confucian scholarly sanctuary, they listened to millennia-old wisdom; at this Chan-Buddhist and martial arts centre, they experienced spiritual continuity — unlocking the profound charm of fine traditional Chinese culture through direct engagement, letting civilisational resonance across time touch the heart.

Songyang Academy served as the tour’s ‘cultural classroom’, its grey-brick architecture steeped in classical scholarly atmosphere. There, national studies expert Mr Zhang Xizhi delivered a lecture centred on the academy’s iconic story ‘Standing in the Snow at Cheng’s Gate’. He recounted how the Northern Song scholars Yang Shi and You Zuo waited in snowfall for their master Cheng Yi to begin teaching — enabling participants to grasp the ancient ethos of ‘respecting teachers and pursuing learning with sincerity’, and to appreciate the academy’s stature among the ‘Four Great Academies of the Song Dynasty’.

On the Confucian core concept of ‘xiao’ (filial piety), Mr Zhang moved beyond abstract textual definitions to offer relatable, everyday interpretations. He explained that traditional ‘xiao’ entails not only material support for parents but also spiritual care — respecting elders and empathising with their feelings. This interpretation prompted an ‘aha!’ moment among participants, who remarked, ‘So “filial piety” is truly a warm thing.’

Addressing parents’ and participants’ concerns about ‘sleep’ and ‘cultivating vital energy’, Mr Zhang seamlessly integrated classical wisdom with modern life needs. Drawing on traditional health principles — such as the adage ‘work at sunrise, rest at sunset’ — he offered practical wellness advice. He stressed that nurturing ‘spirit, energy and vitality’ hinges on ‘mental calmness and regular routines’, guiding participants to apply traditional culture for physical and mental well-being and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Leaving Songyang Academy, the group visited Shaolin Temple. After rain, ancient cypress trees stood lush and green; the lingering chime of the morning bell still echoed. With guides, participants toured the main temple compound, learning about the origins of Shaolin martial arts and Chan Buddhism, and hearing the legendary tale of the ‘Thirteen Monk Warriors Who Saved Emperor Tang’. In the martial arts training ground, monks demonstrated fluid staff techniques and balanced bare-hand forms — drawing gasps of admiration. Many participants eagerly joined in, learning basic moves under the monks’ guidance and experiencing the cultural essence of ‘Chan and martial arts as one’ through bodily practice.

‘This study tour has been incredibly rewarding!’ shared one parent: ‘My child listened attentively to Mr Zhang’s explanations of “filial piety” and sleep hygiene — and said she’d put them into practice at home. The Shaolin experience also helped her understand the principle “cultivate the heart before mastering martial skills”. Such a cultural journey is more vivid than any textbook.’

From Confucian enlightenment at Songyang Academy to Chan-martial cultivation at Shaolin Temple, this Dengfeng trip enabled deep dialogue between participants and China’s cultural lineage. Through the ‘on-site visits plus expert lectures’ format, the ‘Walking China, Sustaining Cultural Heritage’ study tour brings millennia-old traditions from history into tangible, actionable life wisdom — enriching Chinese-language learning with cultural warmth and strengthening bridges for cultural exchange between China and the world.

(Correspondent: Li Na)

Li Kaizhen