On May 24th, students from Class 2-2A of Intensive Chinese Program had a date with Chinese tea at the Weiyang Academy along the Suzhou River.

Firstly, under the guidance of their teacher, the students toured the academy, which is divided into two main areas, the western part dominated by stone materials, reflecting the style of the Han and Tang dynasties. The eastern hall, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by the aesthetic style of the Song dynasty.

After the tour, the students sit in the western hall, where a tea art teacher dressed in Hanfu explained the history and culture of the tea to everyone. Diancha, which originated in the late Tang dynasty and flourished during the Song and Ming dynasties, was an elegant ritual where the Song people judged the quality of tea by the fineness, whiteness, and rich, mellow taste of the tea foam.

Next, the students transformed into "tea maker" under the teacher's guidance, they patiently whipped the tea in their bowls. Finally, everyone tried to draw on the tea foam with green tea paste, creating their own unique cup of tea.

Back in the classroom, the students reviewed their experiences through vlogs, PowerPoint presentations, and written reflections. The ancient architectural style, the elegant tea culture, and the beautiful traditional attire made everyone feel as if they had returned to that ancient and charming morning.

Social practice activity is an extension of Chinese class, taking students into various aspects of life in Chinese society, applying Chinese in real-life context, and gaining language progress and cultural insights.