To honor the 120th birthday of Gu Tinglong, a former director of the Shanghai Library, a manuscript and document exhibition has opened to the public at the Shanghai Library's East Branch. The exhibition commemorates Gu's lifelong dedication to Chinese cultural preservation and historical scholarship.

Gu is celebrated as one of China's most influential figures in the library sciences, classical bibliography, and calligraphy. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the preservation of China's classical culture, exemplifying an unyielding spirit of service to tradition and scholarship, according to Shanghai Library.

Ti Gong

Poster of the exhibition

Ti Gong

A collection of Gu Tinglong's personal items at the exhibition.

The exhibition – "For Rememberance and Inheritance: Memorial Exhibition of Mr. Gu Tinglong's 120th Anniversary of Birth" – displays Gu's manuscripts, letters, photos, publications and personal items. The over 1,600 items on display were donated by Gu's family, including rare ancient books, handwritten manuscripts and personal correspondence. Among the highlights is a handwritten copy of "The Tenth Volume of the Selected Poems of the Yuan Dynasty," a collection of poems Gu donated to the Shanghai Library in the 1980s.

Ti Gong

A handwritten copy of "The Tenth Volume of the Selected Poems of the Yuan Dynasty," which Gu donated to the Shanghai Library in the 1980s.

The exhibition also has items that reveal Gu's contributions to ancient document restoration, personal correspondence with scholars, and records of his instrumental role in advancing library services in Shanghai.

The exhibition design is a highlight, allowing visitors to experience Gu's world firsthand. Visitors can step back in time in the furniture exhibition area, with its authentic recreation of Gu's study, with his original chairs and bookshelves. Archival footage on old televisions also gives visitors a sense of being in his presence.

Ti Gong

The exhibition area features furniture from Gu's study to recreate his workspace.

A chair included in the recreation of Gu's study.

Original furniture recreates Gu's 1993 residence on Huaihai Road M.

Ti Gong

The calligraphy exhibition area offers reproductions of Gu's handwriting and the character sheets he created for library staff, alongside a photo of him practicing calligraphy. Visitors can study and even try their hand at imitating his style.

Ti Gong

The video exhibition area displays photos of Gu against a backdrop of historical photos, and footage showing him discussing document preservation.

Ti Gong

The bookshelf area of the exhibition allows visitors to browse Gu's major works, as well as books he edited and annotated.

If you go

Venue: 4/F, the manuscript pavilion, Shanghai Library's East Branch

Address: 300 Hehuan Rd 合欢路300号

,https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2411066197/

From a young age, I lived in Recife, the state capital of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil, a city sharing a deep bond with China. My childhood image of China was shaped by watching Kung Fu movies. When I was nine, my father brought me to see two iconic Chinese Kung Fu films. The Kung Fu masters displayed a combination of elegance and strength in their movements, as they flawlessly executed their techniques with precision, agility, and intensity, evoking a sense of excitement within me. I was deeply attracted by Chinese Kung Fu and became full of curiosity and yearning for China.

After finishing my studies in Recife, I moved to Sao Paulo for work in 2013. There, I became friends with many Chinese people and experienced a very enjoyable time. I learned the Chinese language from them and often shared with them my thoughts on Chinese Kung Fu and culture. Out of my love for Chinese Kung Fu, I even gave myself a resounding Chinese name -- Li Xiaolong (Bruce Lee's Chinese name). As I delved deeper into learning Chinese, I changed my name to Li Zhuilong, signifying my aspirations of coming to China. I hoped that one day I could personally experience China's development and contribute to the friendship between Brazil and China.

The opportunity soon arrived. In 2015, driven by my love for Chinese history and culture, I began studying at the Confucius Institute at Sao Paulo State University. The rich Chinese language courses and cultural activities opened the door for me to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. With the support of a scholarship from the Confucius Institute, I had the opportunity to study the Chinese language at Hubei University in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, on two occasions -- in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Lacerda Dantas Wagner poses for a picture in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo provided by Lacerda Dantas Wagner)

In Wuhan, a vibrant international city, I made friends with students from all over the world. Together, we practiced Chinese tea ceremonies, music, and calligraphy. We took high-speed trains to explore wondrous places like Zhangjiajie, a famous tourist destination in central China's Hunan Province, and experienced many unforgettable moments together. Through these cultural exchanges, I developed a broader perspective on the diversity of world civilizations.

On the recommendation of the Confucius Institute, I was fortunate to work at the Latin American office of China Media Group (CMG). Through news reports, I used my camera and pen to record many important moments, witnessing the increasingly close cooperation between Brazil and China, and the deepening friendship between the people of our two countries.

In September 2022, Recife passed a bill to include the Spring Festival into its official calendar, becoming the first city in Brazil to establish Chinese New Year as an official holiday.

Lacerda Dantas Wagner participates in the Hubei Province International Chinese Language Day 2024. (Photo provided by Lacerda Dantas Wagner)

In January 2023, I had the opportunity to return to my hometown to report on the Spring Festival celebrations. As the festive music played, the dance-loving Brazilian people joyfully moved to the rhythm. The walls of old buildings were transformed into canvases for light shows, eliciting cheers from the crowd. At the event, I served as a translator, proudly explaining Chinese culture to my fellow Brazilians.

That reporting experience left a lasting impression on me. I felt the exchanges between Brazilian and Chinese cultures and the deep friendship between our two peoples. The joyous and festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival was like a beam of light, illuminating all of our hearts.

In March 2023, I attended the launch ceremony of the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front and the BRICS Parliamentary Front in Brasília. At the event, I heard insightful views from multiple Brazilian and Chinese representatives, gaining a deeper understanding of the BRICS mechanism and South-South cooperation, terms often seen in news reports.

Lacerda Dantas Wagner and his mentor Zheng Zhongming pose for a picture with a piece of Chinese calligraphy. (Photo provided by Lacerda Dantas Wagner)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. Over the past five decades, the political mutual trust and economic cooperation between the two countries have grown increasingly solid, while the tree of cultural exchanges has become ever more lush and fruitful. The two countries have jointly promoted the development of the BRICS mechanism and continuously deepened South-South cooperation. The ever-closer bilateral cooperation has not only provided opportunities for ordinary Brazilians like me to study in China but gathered strong momentum in maintaining world peace and development.

From pursuing my aspirations in China to witnessing historic moments through news reporting, the Chinese language has undoubtedly expanded the opportunities in my life. This beautiful language has helped me plant the seeds of dreams to reap friendship and opportunities. In my view, although Brazil and China are separated by vast oceans, the people of our two countries have developed a strong bond and deepened friendly exchanges through communication and mutual understanding.

My aspiration is to become a cultural envoy to foster people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the people of Brazil and China, sharing with the world the story of China's vibrant and flourishing development.

Editor：Zhilan Hu

,https://english.wuhan.gov.cn/H_1/NWP/202410/t20241029_2475470.shtml

Here at the Beijinger, we try to bring you diverse stories about what’s going on in this city that we love. Useful tips, fun local facts, updates, exciting events – if we hear about it, chances are we are going to share it all with you, dear reader. Personally, I love a good inspirational story, and luckily I never run out of those in Beijing. This city is teeming with all sorts of individuals who make things happen for themselves and explore their creativity and passions in a series of unexpected ways. 

Being a creative myself, I know it is so crucial to be surrounded by like-minded folks. Their journeys inspire me, and their practice reminds me that there is space in our daily lives to chase our dreams and passions. Your path may not be linear, and, truth be told, success may not come easily to you. Your creative journey may not look anything like you’d envisioned. But it will be your own, every step along the way. There’s plenty of personal development and fulfillment to find in the process, too. 

Today we will be talking with one such inspiring individual: Maria Efremochkina. Often preferring to just go by Masha or Mary, she is a Russian teacher living in Beijing with her husband and their darling sphinx cat, Coco. Funnily enough, I met Mary through social media, and that’s how I stay updated nowadays about her gorgeous, intentional creative journey. Though she’s as busy as any of us in the city, Mary does not rush about her art, whatever her medium du jour may be (more on that later!). Instead, she’s cultivated her own practice through effort, attention to detail and a heart that seems always open to beauty. It’s about high time that you all get to know her!

Hi, Mary! Give us a primer to your life here in Beijing. 
Privet, everyone! I’m thrilled to have the chance to talk about my projects – it’s a real pleasure and flatters my inner artist. Thanks for this opportunity!

To give you a better sense of who I am, I need to start with my origins. My name is Masha, and I’m from a small working-class town called Bolshiye Vyazemy. It’s a tiny but historically rich village about 40km from Moscow [that's] steeped in cultural heritage. From early on, I was surrounded by the works of Pushkin, Chekhov, Gogol, as well as timeless folklore and stories of long-gone princes and tsars that colored my then-small world. I drew inspiration from the same apple orchards and wildflower meadows that once moved Andrei Tarkovsky, one of my favorite Soviet film directors. So, in a way, I never really had a choice. I was bound to discover art and fall in love with it. It’s in my hometown, too, that I attended some children’s art programs that gave me a strong foundation for my creative journey.

In 2015, having graduated from my studies in foreign languages, I moved to Beijing to continue my education with a scholarship at Beijing Jiaotong University. Here, I pivoted to foreign language teaching, and I continued to put my creativity to good use. My students get to engage with language in a unique, immersive way. If we have a lesson on nature, for instance, I’ll have them learn how to extract and create their own pigments for painting. By doing this, I was also nurturing their already existing interests in art. This is how my creative urges operate, and I’ve long learned to embrace them in my daily life.  

Currently, I work independently and teach online. During my most creative seasons, I host workshops in the city, and I occasionally participate in local markets. I even collaborate with local artists. Just recently, I started developing a micro-brand inspired by folk and traditional motifs, continuing to share what I love and cherish. I feel there’s plenty of potential there, too. Balancing these two different paths is incredibly challenging, but thankfully I am surrounded by a wonderful support network.

Your gorgeous, hand-painted view of a Taikoo Li tree on a winter night was the first original I ever bought. When I moved into my new space, it was also one of the first pieces to go on the wall. But I’m actually not sure that painting was your first creative outlet. 
Oh, I’m so flattered! Your kind words have truly motivated me to keep painting those trees. I’ll have to remember this moment and replay it whenever I hit a creative block, haha. You’re right, though. This wasn’t the first piece I’d sold, but it was the first one that did so rather quickly. I posted it and you were there immediately, texting me. Such a sweet memory! 

My choice to work in a small format isn’t random at all. You see, many of us live in rented spaces and have to deal periodically with the nightmare of packing and moving to a new lease. So it makes sense to come up with small, easily portable works of art. And though I’m space-conscious, my main motifs and subjects of interest remain there: trees, forests, branches, leaves, and the way light creates its own play of sorts against this inspirational backdrop.

Nature was all around me in my earliest childhood, and I really want to bring these memories out here and there. Beijing is certainly in no shortage of green for a city so huge, but sometimes I do feel homesick for the tiny quarters where I grew up. So, my art is an outlet of sorts for me to long for those things but also make something out of that longing. If I have to be honest, I feel the most productive when I find myself in that slightly blue, melancholic mindset that often tickles my memories. 

If I remember correctly, you also do floral arrangements for your church – though I think nowadays you also offer your know-how to the public. I am such a newbie when it comes to flower arrangements. Please tell us more about this side of your creative practice!
Yes, indeed! I’ve been arranging florals for my church for quite some time, and now I’ve started offering my services more widely whenever needed. Flower arranging is such a calming and meditative process for me, because it involves quite a bit of color and texture blending, just like in my paintings. I will acknowledge that big floral projects do get me out of my zen mode, though!  With safety, timing and budget as my three top priorities, I tend to get quite bossy and strict. If I get a delivery of wilted flowers, or if they start dying on me just a couple hours after I got them, that’s no bueno.

Also, sometimes I’ll spot kids or even adults trying to eat or pull apart the arrangements. That’s when I pull out my exorcist’s phone number, haha. Just kidding! Kinda. But yeah, in those moments you really do need to think ahead and always have a backup plan. It’s a bit like a game of chess. 

Luckily, I’m not alone in this. Though it takes quite a lot of explaining and training, I do have assistants that I’ll call to lend me a hand. That’s also why my floral workshops are few and far between; they take a lot of energy.  That being said, I feel like it’s time to grow and put myself out there more! It’s been years doing this all, and I still always feel like there’s something new for me to learn, particularly when working with a series of venues to put together an event. It’s one of those art forms that truly brings people joy, and I love being part of that!

And then there are also the candles! I’ve been burning mine so that I can finally justify getting a set of yours. I always marvel at your designs and was so sad to miss out on that workshop you once offered. Any chance you will be hosting another one soon?
Ah, the candles! This was an endeavor that came to life just a year ago now. I’m not one to take credit for others’ ideas, so I’ll be honest—my initial spark of inspiration came from the lovely work of another artist that I saw on Pinterest. We both work with acrylics among other mediums, and when I saw her putting them to work on candle décor, I thought I could give it a go, too. 

I put a lot of love into my designs, so they’re quite meaningful to me. Recently, candle painting has become very popular, but let me tell you: It’s not as easy as it looks. Sometimes, it takes up to four or five hours to finish just one candle. 

Candles carry a message of simplicity and familiarity to everyone, I believe. At their core, they serve as a source of light and a bit of warmth. So, I wanted that source of light to look beautiful, to become a part of the décor, set the mood, and visually warm the space. Lighting a candle is all about slowing down and stepping away from distractions – it demands your attention so nothing catches fire nearby. When I’m at our family’s holiday house in Russia, we always have dinner by the candlelight in the garden. It’s such a therapeutic way to unwind.

I plan to keep hand-painted candles as a seasonal drop item for my brand, though I’m still searching for that perfect style. People often ask, “How can you even burn them? They’re so beautiful!” And I reply to them that they shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Please enjoy them! They’re not to be saved and never used! 

As for workshops, I’ve hosted several of them already and have noticed that the usual feedback seems to suggest that this is actually quite a challenging activity that requires a lot of patience. Beginners may need up to two and a half hours to finish one candle with a very simple pattern. At one of the workshops I held at home, we finished two of the Bridget Jones films while painting. I’m still not sure what kept everyone going — the acrylics or young Hugh Grant! 

Speaking about workshops, I’ve been thinking it’s time to start offering more. Stay tuned — I might just have something in the works very soon in November!

As someone who also goes for different mediums and ways to channel her artistic interests, I do want to learn more about your own. What is it that gets your mind going? What makes you want to create art? 
I love that you explore different mediums, too! However, I usually paint with gouache. It is opaque, thus providing a solid, vibrant layer of color. It’s affordable and mess-free!

For me, inspiration often comes from nature and my childhood, as I mentioned before. There’s something about capturing those fleeting moments that just gets my mind going. I’m also driven by the emotional connection art can create, whether it’s through a painting, a floral arrangement, or a candle. The idea that something I make can evoke a feeling, spark a memory, or simply bring beauty into someone’s space is what really makes me want to create. I feel like I want to tell you a story, and so I do just that. That’s why I’m so curious about expanding my creative range. How else can I convey my story and perhaps even the stories of the people around me? This curiosity pushes me to experiment and explore new possibilities.

It would be nice if we could devote our lives to creation. But alas, that’s often not the reality for most of us. How do you juggle life with pursuing more of what makes you happy?
Is it working for me? I feel like it’s not, honestly, hahaha. At this stage in my creative journey, I just try to do what I can now, without putting it off for later. I make myself create without aiming for perfection – and that’s the hardest part for me, and probably for most of us. Sometimes, you get this image in your head of how the result should look, and you convince yourself that everyone expects it to turn out that way. But that’s the biggest misconception. No one, including yourself, knows what the outcome will be until you’ve seen it through from start to finish. Maybe you’ll have to do it several times, or even dozens of times.
It’s not so much about time or financial security — it’s about the willingness to face, accept, and tame your ego through the gritty reality of the creative process. Finding joy and learning to appreciate that part of the journey is the real turning point (talk about a mindful pivot, haha) in creative self-fulfillment.

Did you have any formal art training? If you didn’t, do you see some of that in your future now? And what’s your advice for fellow self-taught artists?
I guess you could say that the art school program I completed was my formal art training. After that, I’ve been regularly self-taught, delving into art history, traditional painting techniques, digital, exploring AI ... I am a massive fan of AI, by the way. I find it to be a unique tool; we just need to know how to work with it.

But yeah, I practice, I quit, I pick it up again. Rinse and repeat. What advice can I give? Three things come to mind: First, learn the basics of drawing. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here. Find an online or offline course that fits your budget and just go through it. It can be boring, but it’s essential for understanding volume and composition. Just save your time!

Secondly, develop your visual experience, because I hate to break it to you, but it is no supernatural gift. It’s not just about beauty, but about efficiency. Just save your time, really! Thirdly, go for boldness and audacity. If you don’t like those words, call it curiosity, though that doesn’t quite capture what I mean. I often lack boldness and doubt myself constantly, but I overcome that every time. Audacity helps you push boundaries, explore new things, be persistent, and pursue your goals. It doesn’t always have negative consequences. If you want creative growth, you have to be audacious. It will save your time, haha! Have I stressed that enough? Time is golden, no?

Last but not least! How can people get in touch with you?
You can connect with me on Instagram @maryinbeijing, where I always repost updates from my other pages, so you can decide whether you want to follow my teaching content or creative projects. On WeChat, you can find me under the nickname andotherflowers.

If you see me on the street, feel free to come up and say hi, even if I’m not smiling – my serious face is just a special trait from the cultural environment I grew up in, but I am a good egg, haha!

READ: Explore Pink Floyd Through This Former Beijinger's New Book

Images: courtesy of Maria Efremochkina

,https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2024/09/29/mindful-pivot-creative-journey-english-teacher

Guangzhou

Guangzhou University Fair

Sign up now for the Guangzhou University Fair! Taking place on October 20 and 21, this fair will connect students in Grades 9-12 and their families with representatives from over 125 global universities spanning 15 countries. It's a fantastic chance to gather information about various academic programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities directly from university representatives. Hosted by a consortium of international schools, the fair will take place on two dates at two locations: AISG's Ersha Island campus and CIS's Panyu campus, making it accessible for everyone. Don't forget to RSVP using the QR codes on the flyer. Join us to discover programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities!

'First Lesson' on Chip Manufacturing 

On the first day of school, the Benenden Bilingual School Guangzhou (BBSG) community enjoyed an intriguing introduction about chip manufacturing as their 'first lesson' for the new academic year. The engaging presentation was delivered by Professor Wei XU from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), who's also a BBSG parent. By offering students a unique perspective into the realm of scientific research, Prof. Xu unveils the intricacies of cutting-edge technology, inspiring students to pursue excellence and innovation in their future scientific endeavours.

Understanding different industries, job roles, and career trends is crucial for students to make informed career choices in the future. BBSG's signature program - 'World of Work' (WOW) program is designed to support students to have the privilege of being at the forefront of a World of Work in flux, leveraging the school's vast industry network. From experiential learning to research-based pre-industry programs, bespoke WOW programs will provide students with unique first-hand real-world experiences, as well as an insider's look at what it is like to work in different industries and a better understanding and appreciation for what they learn at school and how it relates to careers they wish to pursue; while all developing future-ready competencies.

Shenzhen

Building Bridges: ISNS Parent Association

The ISNS Parent Association fosters a supportive community, reflecting the slogan: Caring Locally, Thriving Globally. It creates an inclusive environment for students to grow as global citizens.

Goals of the ISNS Parent Association:

• Promote students' growth.
• Enhance communication between parents and the school.
• Organize social and educational activities.
• Build strong relationships among parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Welcome new families.

The Parent Association looks forward to hosting more events to strengthen connections and support student and family growth.

Learning Community and Leadership

In the QSI Shenzhen Learning Community, leadership transcends major decisions; it flourishes in everyday acts of care and inspiration. A dedicated group of middle school math students exemplifies this leadership by guiding younger students on a journey of mathematical discovery. Recognizing that sparking interest is vital to learning, they organized themselves to share their math knowledge with 8-10-year-olds, forging connections to the wonders of mathematics. Their teachers embraced the role of 'math magicians,' enhancing the tutoring experience with engaging stories, games, and real-world applications. By tailoring lessons to accommodate diverse learning styles, they ensured that each child could progress at their own pace, using interactive methods like questioning, group activities, and math competitions to encourage critical thinking. This initiative is not just about math; it's a relay of dreams, responsibility, and growth. For the middle school tutors, it fosters a community of passionate learners, while for the younger students, it ignites a love for math and inspires them to explore endless possibilities. Go Dragons! We are incredibly proud of you!

SIS Personalised Tours

As Shenzhen's first international school, Shekou International School (SIS) proudly celebrated its 35th anniversary last year. Now, in its 36th year, SIS continues to uphold its dedication to providing a world-class learning environment that empowers students to excel in learning and pursuing their passions.

Over the past year, SIS has achieved significant milestones that demonstrate its unwavering commitment to excellence and the well-being of each student.

• IB Continuum: A seamless educational journey

• Outstanding IBDP Results: A top score of 45 and an impressive average of 36.25

• Unlocking and Elevating Student Potential

• Green School Award: A leader in sustainability

• Shenzhen's Top International School: Forbes China ranked SIS as the top international school in Shenzhen

SIS invites you to experience the difference firsthand. Join a personalised tour or open day where you can meet its exceptional faculty, explore its vibrant campuses, and discover how SIS can provide the best path for your child to thrive in their learning journey.

Book Your Personalised Tour Today!

Dongguan

ISD Students Advance to World Scholar's Cup (WSC) at Yale

Six teams from International School of Dongguan (ISD) Middle School participated in the 2024 World Scholar's Cup (WSC) Bangkok Global Round supported by Yale University. ISD's outstanding scholars gathered with 2,000 peers from around the world in Bangkok to engage in intense academic competition. 

The teams had great success, earning 24 gold and 19 silver medals! Astonishingly five of the ISD student teams have qualified for the 2024 WSC Tournament of Champions. In mid-November, they will head to New Haven, United States, to participate in the event at Yale University!

Foshan

Launch of the Lower School Student Council at Foshan EtonHouse

This year at Foshan EtonHouse, the launch of the Lower School Student Council has been announced, marking a prestigious opportunity now extended to younger students in the Lower School. The aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can learn valuable lessons and be encouraged to keep trying. The Student Council will be re-elected at the beginning of every semester to ensure that as many students as possible have the chance to participate and grow from the experience. The school looks forward to seeing students develop leadership, persistence, communication, and collaboration skills through the Student Council project. As these younger students progress to the Upper School, they are expected to be well-prepared to embrace the multifaceted opportunities and challenges that await them as young adults. 

LEH Foshan's University Fair 2024

Join us on October 25 for LEH Foshan's Autumn University Fair, where over 20 prestigious universities from around the world will be present. Designed for parents and students, this event offers valuable insights into higher education, personalised guidance, and the chance to meet university representatives one-on-one. Whether you're helping your child plan for top universities or exploring future academic pathways, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Open to the public. For more information, call +86757-66881881.

Got Some School News You'd Like to Share?

READ MORE: We're Now Offering Exclusive Packages for Education Clients

For enquires on the above, or to tailor your own package, please contact Thomas Feng by email on [email protected] or +86 136 1006 6321 and by WeChat by scanning the QR code below:

,http://www.thatsmags.com/guangzhou/post/38108/gba-school-news-roundup-September-2024

Ti Gong

A student enjoys a tuina treatment as others look on.

Fifty students from more than 20 countries and regions experienced traditional Chinese medicine in Shanghai over the weekend, enriching their experience in China and developing a better understanding of the country.

The "2024 Experiencing China with Intangible Cultural Heritage Items" program was supported by the China Scholarship Council and organized by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The participants were from universities throughout the city, including Tongji University, East China Normal University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai New York University.

Ti Gong

A student has her health condition checked using an AI-empowered machine.

It was the sixth time the Shanghai University of TCM had hosted the "Experiencing China" tour. This year, it organized an intangible cultural heritage bazaar, integrating TCM, martial arts, embroidery, and woodblock printing.

In an exhibition area for gaofang, students had a close look at the seasonal herbal paste tonic and learned its history, the production process, and ingredients. They also used a machine empowered with artificial intelligence to analyze their health condition by analyzing their tongue, face, and pulse.

Ti Gong

Students learn tai chi.

The students also tried TCM therapies such as tuina and bonesetting.

Sae-Chu Channarong, a Thai student from East China Normal University, was amazed after receiving tuina, a massage-like treatment method. He said he felt more relaxed and would like to try more TCM healthcare approaches.

Ti Gong

Students concentrate on their needlework.

They also joined Aaron Christopher Joost, an American student at the Shanghai University of TCM, to practice tai chi, a martial arts that is also a way of keeping fit, learned needlework from an Suzhou-style embroidery master, and tried woodblock printing.

Ti Gong

Students make designs for woodblock printing.

,https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2409308903/

Yang Meiping / SHINE

International students received a warm welcome at China Baowu Steel Group Corporation and pose for a group photo.

Some 30 international students from Fudan University toured China Baowu Steel Group Corporation in Shanghai recently to have a close look at China's smart manufacturing industry.

It was part of the "Experiencing China" program supported by the Ministry of Education and the China Scholarship Council to help international students visit more parts of China and gain a deeper understanding of the country as it really is.

Yang Meiping / SHINE

Students learn about the metallurgical process.

Headquartered in Shanghai, Baowu is a pivotal state-owned company in China dedicated in its development toward high-end, green, smart, and efficient manufacturing.

In 2023, its asset size reached 1.36 trillion yuan (US$194 billion), with a steel production of 130 million tons and a total operating revenue of 1.11 trillion yuan. It ranked 44th on the Fortune Global 500 released in 2024, continuing to lead the global steel industry.

Yang Meiping / SHINE

A patrol robot on production line is shown during their visit.

The students visited the B-link innovation industry park built on a former factory of Baosteel Group, the history museum of company and a hot rolling production line to have a glimpse into the technologies and skills of steelmaking, steel rolling and smart robotics, as well as the green development concept of the metallurgy giant.

Yang Meiping / SHINE

Students learn about safety rules at the factory.

Among them, the hot rolling line put into use in 1989 has been empowered by artificial intelligence and data technologies to realize unmanned production, with its products delivered to customers all over the world through smart storage and shipping systems.

Yang Meiping / SHINE

The first rule: helmets on!

,https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2409301714/

Twenty international students from the Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics（ZUFE) were issued warnings after violating the government enforced COVID prevention and control requirements, by visiting other cities and provinces without completing the appropriate check-in requirements upon returning. The first group was seven students, reported to have “concealed and delayed reporting their location,” violating the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control requirements of Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics and COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control regulations. The regulations are enacted by the School of International Education and Studies, in caution, control and prevention of the epidemic period, which requires a daily-health check in and prior approval to leave Hangzhou. Another thirteen students were the second batch of international students who broke the same regulation. All twenty were issued awarning, which consists of a mark on their records and disqualifies the students for any scholarship for the academic year 2022/2023. Let this serve as awarning for all students and residents to abide by government regulations for asafer environment and speedier recovery against COVID-19 prevention methods. Source: ZUFEOriginal link

For Celine Lean Yew-lin, taking law classes online at the University of Cambridge requires almost superhuman multitasking: jotting notes as she listens to the teacher, checking that she is working on the correct document, and finding the unmute button when she wants to speak. [caption id="attachment_3500" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Celine Lean Yew-lin[/caption] Lean, a blind 23-year-old Malaysian student at Cambridge University’s law school, lost her vision at the age of four after a battle with leukaemia. The cancer and her chemotherapy treatments resulted in her retina – a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye – detaching. While some visually impaired people can see some colours, Lean cannot see anything at all. “I’m as blind as you can get,” she said. She relies on her other senses – hearing, touchin g and smelling to navigate her surroundings and develop spatial awareness. She uses echolocation, which is a way to detect objects by making sounds and sensing the echoes. Lean has overcome countless obstacles and now attends one of the world’s most prestigious law schools, but it was not an easy journey. Celine Lean has received a full scholarship from the Yayasan Khazanah foundation for her studies at the University of Cambridge.

[caption id="attachment_3501" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Celine Lean has received a full scholarship from the Yayasan Khazanah foundation for her studies at the University of Cambridge.[/caption] Photo: Shutterstock Growing up in Malaysia was a tremendous challenge because of the country’s lack of support for disabled students, Lean said. Visually impaired students there have three options: mainstream schools that have no experience supporting disabled students; integrated schools that mostly have able-bodied students but also offer support for disabled students; and specialised schools for the disabled. During her primary and secondary years, Lean had studied at integrated and specialised schools. But she needed to find another school that would prepare her to take the A-levels university entrance exam. She struggled to find any. “[Schools] refused to accept me because they didn’t want to take the responsibility and risk of having a disabled student,” she said. She was so furious that she wrote to local newspapers to complain about the issue and call for education reforms. But rather than address the problems that Lean had voiced, the press wanted her to write about her success in overcoming obstacles as a disabled person. Eventually, a mainstream school admitted her, and she had the opportunity to take part in an exchange programme in the US. While Lean was studying there, she learned more about advocacy for the rights of disabled people, and was determined to study law so she could make a difference for people with disabilities around the world and in her home country. After achieving excellent results in her A-levels, Lean received the offer to study law at Cambridge University, and won a full scholarship from the prestigious Yayasan Khazanah foundation. The accomplished student took the offer because of Malaysia’s status as a Commonwealth country, which meant her law degree would also allow her to practise in Malaysia. Two years ago, she flew to Britain for the first time in her life to begin university. Like many other first-year international students, she arrived before the term began to get acquainted with her new home, armed with Google Maps’ audio directions and her senses. “I also recognise coffee shops ... by the smell, and the location of the bank by the texture of the floor,” she said. [caption id="attachment_3503" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Celine Lean is now in her third year at the University of Cambridge.[/caption] Photo: Handout Each term is only eight weeks long at Cambridge University, which is known for its intense workload. For law students, this is characterised by long reading lists that must be completed before small-group classes. In secondary school, Lean used to read and write in Braille – a system of raised dots that can be read by the fingers. But because of the difficulty of carrying the bulky Braille machine during her A-levels, she switched to using Microsoft Word, which could read text out loud. At Cambridge, she continued to use Microsoft Word, but said relying on the computer to read in what she called a “robotic man voice” was not without its challenges. “It takes me longer to go through the same material because I have to listen to everything,” she explained. No matter how she struggled in her first year, she refused to ask for help. “I grew up in an environment in Malaysia where, if I [didn’t] fight to be the same as everyone else, I wouldn’t have the opportunity at all. So I didn’t want to get help because I felt I would be judged for being useless as a disabled student,” she recalled. But thanks to the encouragement of her tutor – someone who provides all-round well-being support for students – Lean eventually reached out to her college, Hughes Hall, and the law school for extra support. The experiences taught her to accept and embrace her disability, she said. Near the end of her first year, the Covid-19 outbreak hit, and the university switched to online classes which lasted through her second year. During her virtual classes, Lean not only had to type notes on her computer, but also had to listen simultaneously to class discussions, and her computer’s robotic voice reading out her notes. “It felt so suffocating because everything was in my head,” she recalled. “It also reduced my ability to participate in the classes.” Despite all the challenges she has faced at Cambridge, Lean has also enjoyed her university experience so far. In her spare time, she plays goalball, a paralympic sport that requires players to throw a ball embedded with bells into their opponents’ goal. When asked how able-bodied people should treat the visually impaired, Lean responded that people looking to help the blind should always ask first. “I walk close to the curb near the cars, so people think it is dangerous. Some just grab me and steer me off my path, which disorients me instead,” she said. She also emphasised the importance of not assuming that every blind or disabled person is the same. “My disability is part of me, but it does not define me,” Lean explained.Original link

Chinese Language Program, Spring Semester, 2022 Information Sheet Semester Start and End Dates Feb., 2022 – Jul.,2022（To be confirmed） Application Due Date Before Dec.10, 2021 Language Class Schedule All Chinese language classes take place Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. These classes require mandatory attendance in order to maintain student visa status. Failure to attend classes regularly will result in the termination of enrollment.   Fees: Application fee: 400 RMB Tuition fee: 7000 RMB/semester Books: Estimated 100-200 RMB Dormitory Fee: 1000-1200 RMB/month Insurance: 400/Semester (See table below fee breakdown.) Application Materials: 1、Application Form (Fill in online） 2、Clear photocopy of passport’s front page (Scan upload) 3、 Certification that you are currently enrolled in school, or a diploma, or a work certificate if you are working.(Scan upload) 4、Application fee of 400 RMB.（After the registration information is approved, the account will be sent by email to the registered email address.） Online application process: 1、Please log in the foreign student application system of Qingdao university within the registration opening time:http://istudy.qdu.edu.cn/ register and truthfully fill in the information online. Please choose the right major according to your study plan when you apply. 2、After checking the registration information, please upload the proof of paying the registration fee. After confirming the fee voucher, we will issue the“E-offer”admission notice online. Please pay attention to the registration email reminder. *If you are an applicant who is applying for scholarship, please refer to the corresponding scholarship notes. Continue filling up online after your application has been accepted. Application fee cannot be refunded. The Admission Process and Obtaining a Visa: Applicants with satisfactory applications will receive an “Admission Notice” and “Visa Application for International Students and Scholars to China (JW202 Form).” Please apply for an X1or X2 visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country by using our materials. Please fill in the mailing address and related information correctly. For details of visa process please check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Due to the COVID-19, DO NOT enter into China before receiving new notice. QU will only arrange online registration and class online temporarily. Registration period: Feb., 2022（Estimated） All students must register in person at the Qingdao University International Student Office during this registration period. Contact Information: International Students Office 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, Shandong, China 266071 Qingdao University E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (86) 532-85953863 E-mail: [email protected] 电话：(86) 532-85953863 We look forward to meeting you here at Qingdao University!