On November 19, the School of International Education organized a special cultural immersion activity for 21 international students from CUEB at the School of Traditional Architecture, Beijing Vocational College of Transportation (Fengtai Campus). The students observed ceremonial dance form known as Yi (佾), explored traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, and received hands-on instruction in architectural painting from an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practitioner, gaining first-hand exposure to traditional Chinese culture.

During the Yi Dance performance, performers demonstrated the ritual with solemn movements, holding the ancient wind instrument known as yue 籥 and pheasant feathers called di 翟. Instructors explained that Yi Dance, originating in the Zhou Dynasty, is a form of court ritual music and dance as a core component of China’s state ceremonial system. The left hand holding the instrument close to the heart symbolizes self-discipline and moral reflection, while the right hand presenting the pheasant feather toward guests signifies ritual respect, embodying the Confucian ideal of the cultivated gentleman. International students said the performance offered a powerful insight into the cultural depth carried by Chinese dance traditions.

In the woodworking classroom, students explored the history and craftsmanship behind the “Triple Intersection Six-Bowl Linghua Window”. Guided by volunteers, they eagerly took part in hands-on assembly, practicing sawing, chiseling, and sanding with keen interest despite their limited experience. Upon completing the delicate hand assembly of the wooden components, they celebrated with photos, filled with a great sense of accomplishment.

Mr. Bian Jingyi, a master of decorative painting, visited the classroom in person to guide students in drawing horses and practicing traditional techniques such as applying yellow glue and gold foil. The room was filled with laughter, with someone remarking, “The horse I drew ended up with five legs!” Chen Ying, a student from Guinea, noted, “Pasting gold foil seems simple, but doing it well is actually challenging.”

After the event, many international students lingered, looking forward to more Chinese cultural experiences. The activity was also featured in CGTN’s “Cultural China” segment.