The 2023 Chinese Bridge Summer Camps for Youths of the Belt and Road Initiative Partner Countries opened on Aug 18 in Beijing.

It aims to allow participants to enhance their comprehensive understanding of contemporary China, while learning Chinese and traditional Chinese culture.

International students participate in the Shaanxi leg of Chinese Bridge Summer Camps. They pose for a group photo at the front gate of Xi'an International Studies University. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]

As the ancient capital of 13 dynasties and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an is rich in historical and cultural resources. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist city both domestically and internationally, attracting the attention of numerous Chinese and foreign media.

To satisfy the curiosity of many overseas Chinese-speaking young enthusiasts and to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of Xi'an, the host arranges 27 students from nine countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran, to participate in the ongoing Shaanxi leg of the Chinese Bridge Summer Camps event.

An international student carefully paints a Chinese round fan. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]

On Aug 22, under the guidance of teachers from Xi'an International Studies University, the students visited the Xi'an Qin Brick and Han Tile Museum, admiring the various shapes and forms of the tiles and learning about how ancient tiles were made.

They also had a go at a traditional fan-painting activity at the museum, using different colored paints to create their own Chinese round fans.

Overseas students show off their painted Chinese round fans. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]