On the afternoons of April 24 and April 26, 2024, the International Education Center of East China Normal University successfully held two distinctive cultural experience activities at the Cultural Experience Area in the Physics Building—Baguazhang (a form of Chinese martial arts) and the Tea Ceremony. The activities drew enthusiastic engagement from students of the Featured Chinese Program of the Global Education Center. Students delved into the essence of martial arts through the moves of Baguazhang and contemplated the profound meaning of the Tea Ceremony, collectively appreciating the charm of Chinese culture.

Instructors from the Shanghai Baguazhang Association not only taught the basic footwork and hand techniques of Baguazhang but also meticulously explained the precise control of strength and angle in each movement. During the engaging pair combat drills and group activities, students adeptly applied the movements they learned, and the tacit cooperation among them made the practice thoroughly enjoyable. Under the careful guidance of the teacher, students gradually corrected their movements and gained a profound understanding of the significance behind each action.

Then, under the guidance of Teacher Yu, the students deeplexperienced and contemplated the essence of the "Tea Ceremony." Teacher Yu used vivid stories to connect the origins, development, and classification of tea culture, providing a comprehensive introduction to the birthplace of tea and the origin of tea trees. Subsequently, students tasted green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, experiencing the distinct tastes of different types of tea. After the teacher's demonstration, students eagerly engaged in a tea ceremony experience, completing the entire process of brewing, and tasting tea themselves.

The successful holding of the Chinese cultural experience activities allowed students from the Featured Chinese Program to not only physically exercise and learn new skills through hands-on experience but also to gain a deeper understanding of the profound heritage of Chinese traditional culture. Whether it was the harmonious blend of hardness and softness in Baguazhang or the tranquil pursuit in the Tea Ceremony, these experiences provided students with a more direct understanding and a more profound comprehension of Chinese traditional culture.