On October 29, A Date with Xuyong——the Silk Road Youth Study Tour in Xuyong kicked off in Xuyong County, Luzhou City. On that day, international students from Sichuan University, hailing from Russia, Colombia, Bulgaria, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, visited the “Gungun”House in Xuyong. On October 30, they explored traditional Chinese lifestyle aesthetics at the Luohan Forest Life Aesthetics Museum.

A Journey through the Bamboo Forest: Mastering the Art of Bamboo Weaving 

International students taking a group photo at the “Gungun”House [Photo by Zhang Zhiyuan]

At the “Gungun” House, international students were captivated by the wide array of bamboo crafts on display, including exquisite bamboo fans, elegant bamboo umbrellas, and melodious bamboo flutes. Their unique and refined appearance drew the students’ attention, making them stop to take photos and create memories.

Lan Dongshao, a student from Colombia, marveled, “This visit has truly broadened my horizons. I knew bamboo held significant value in Chinese culture, but I had never seen so many exquisite bamboo crafts firsthand.” To him, these works not only showcased the artisans’ wisdom and creativity but also perfectly combined the aesthetic charm and practical value of bamboo.

International students learning to weave bamboo wind chimes [Photo by Ma Junjie] 

“Line up five bamboo strips, lift the vertical strips, and weave them into the horizontal ones…” In the hands-on workshop, a bamboo weaving artisan guided international students as they learned to make bamboo wind chimes.

Yana proudly showing off her half-finished bamboo weaving project [Photo by Yang Wenhan] 

Yana from Belarus excitedly held her newly crafted bamboo weaving piece, saying, “This is my first time trying bamboo weaving, and it feels incredibly novel. Once it’s finished, I’ll definitely hang it in my room.”

During the visit, the students also learned that to promote bamboo weaving culture, the “Gungun” House holds regular bamboo weaving workshops. Four skilled artisans take turns teaching, allowing visitors to experience the charm and uniqueness of this traditional craft.

A Wellness Journey at the Luzhou Summit  

The Luohan Forest Scenic Area in Xuyong is famous for its unique natural scenery and rich cultural resources. On October 30, international students began a wellness journey at the Luohan Forest Life Aesthetics Museum.

Located in Fenshui Town of Xuyong County, Luohan Forest sits at an average altitude of 1,200 meters, with its peak at 1,902 meters, earning it the title “Luzhou Summit.” It now includes a reception center, Yunlu Academy, the Life Aesthetics Museum, a camping base, a snow park, and more. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from ecological leisure and wellness to mountain sports, agriculture, and cultural experiences.

International students enjoying tea [Photo by Ma Junjie]

“Astragalus can boost energy, strengthen immunity, and reduce sweating,” echoed the teacher’s voice through the Luohanlin Life Aesthetics Museum as a gentle breeze blew.

International students learning about Chinese tea culture [Photo by Ma Junjie] 

Glass jars filled with astragalus, poria, rose petals, and other Chinese herbs were lined up on the table. As they listened to the teacher’s explanations, the students looked on with curiosity. They sipped spleen-strengthening herbal tea while enjoying snacks made from high-quality glutinous rice and walnuts, savoring this unique culinary experience. 

“This warm herbal tea has a surprising flavor and is perfect for autumn and winter—it’s both comforting and healthy,” said Meli from Uzbekistan, holding her tea with delight. “Drinking tea together creates a cozy, home-like atmosphere.”

Alina happily sharing her thoughts and experiences [Photo by Yang Wenhan] 

Outside the tea room, the sun shone brightly, and the air was fresh. “Step out with the left foot, align with shoulders, bend the knees, and place the palms in front of the abdomen…” Following the teacher's guidance, the international students practiced Baduanjin Qigong. The movement ‘Two Hands Holds up the Heavens’ is my favorite move," said Alina, an international student from Russia, with a smile. "The Baduanjin qigong makes the body feel comfortable and fills you with energy. I would love to recommend it to my family."

International students practicing Baduanjin together [Photo by Zhang Zhiyuan]

International students practicing Baduanjin together [Photo by Zhang Zhiyuan]

From the intricacies of bamboo weaving to the profound knowledge of Chinese medicinal herbs and the mind-body benefits of Baduanjin, the international students left enriched with knowledge and skills. They gained a deeper appreciation for the unique charm and depth of Chinese traditional culture, and seeds of friendship quietly took root in their hearts. (by Qin Kang)