In the exhibition hall, a series of calligraphy works written in different Chinese fonts are on display. In the center there is a 1.8-meter-long scroll, where ten students from different countries worked together to present an artwork of both calligraphy and painting with the theme of loong.

Ten Chinese and foreign students worked together to complete the painting "Youth Loving for Calligraphy, Loong Flying over GBA"

"It represents that Chinese is the descendants of loong. With all the efforts we made together, I think it reflects the spirit of unity in this work." Said Chen Youxiang, a high school student from Malaysia.

Chen Youxiang, a high school student from Malaysia.

The fifth Chinese Calligraphy Competition and Exchanges for primary and secondary school students co-hosted by Foshan Political Consultative Conference and Foshan Overseas Association was held from July 26 to 29 in Foshan. It invited 196 award-winning students and their parents from Foshan, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and four countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Cambodia. Since the launch of this activity in March this year, over 10,000 works have been received from participants all over the world, of which 533 outstanding works have been selected for exhibitions.

The opening ceremony of the fifth Chinese Calligraphy Competition and Exchanges.

Performances at the opening ceremony

Taking the chance of the summer vacation, these young calligraphy lovers embarked on a study tour on traditional Chinese culture in Foshan. They visited Lingnan ancient villages, historical and cultural attractions, manufacturing companies, and experienced traditional folk activities such as dragon boat and lion dance, which gave them a close look at the unique Lingnan culture and beautiful Chinese villages.

Chinese and foreign teenagers visited cultural spot Kuixing Tower.

Students visited and learned about traditional culture and history such as lion dance and martial arts.

Walking into Kuixing Academy, Wang Chengyang, a fifth grade primary school student in Taiwan, wrote "Peaceful Time" in cursive handwriting in front of the academy window. "It is rare to see this kind of ancient architecture style academy in Taiwan. I feel very comfortable, and that’s immediately what comes to my mind," Wang said.

The students practiced calligraphy on the spot.

In the Chinese village of tangerines, Xianchong Village, the students were very excited at rowing dragon boat for the first time. "Chinese villages are very beautiful. Man and nature live in harmony. I can feel good environment of lucid waters and lush mountains everywhere." Said Yang Yi, a middle school student from Macao.

Chinese and foreign teenagers experienced traditional dragon boat culture.

Influenced by his father Zhuang Yuzhu who loves calligraphy, Malaysian student Zhuang Haolin participated in the competition with his little brother. During their visit, the family of four were deeply attracted by rich Lingnan culture in Foshan. "Many traditional cultures are inherited and developed well here, which is such a touching thing," Zhuang Yuzhu said. "I hope my children can visit their hometown more often, feel and understand Chinese culture in person, and the most important is to remember their root forever."

Award-winning students took photos in front of calligraphy works on exhibition.

As an international cultural exchange brand activity, the Chinese Calligraphy Competition and Exchanges is held every two years, and has been successfully held for four times with growing scale and influence. It is not only a calligraphy competition, but also a bridge across regions, ages and cultures, promoting the exchanges and integration of young people home and abroad, contributing to the inheritance, development and promotion of traditional Chinese culture.

Reporter | Jessica

Revisor | Eleanor, Zoey

Source | Foshan News and Media Center

Photo | Foshan News and Media Center

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