NBU Welcomes 2025 Jagiellonian University Delegation for Culture Week
Ningbo, China – From September 9 to 21, 2025, a 15-member delegation of teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at Jagiellonian University in Poland took part in the "Chinese Culture Theme Week" at Ningbo University (NBU). This 13-day program, the second of its kind following a successful inaugural event last year, further strengthened the cultural and educational ties between the two institutions.
Co-organized by the NBU International Office and the Faculty of Foreign Languages, with support from the College of Music, Pan Tianshou College of Architecture and Art Design, Ningbo Municipal Commerce Bureau, and Ningbo City Investment Group, the exchange offered a rich lineup of activities designed to provide an immersive introduction to traditional and contemporary Chinese culture.
The program featured 7 thematic lectures and hands-on sessions, 3 Chinese language learning activities, and 3 exchange events between Chinese and Polish students. Highlights included cultural visits to the Ningbo CEEC Commodity Pavilion, Guo Yi Tang Traditional Medicine Hall, Tianyi Pavilion, Nantang Old Street, and Dongqian Lake. The delegation also attended the "Melody of Growth" concert, a showcase of NBU's integrated arts education achievements.
Throughout their stay, the Polish guests were accompanied by student volunteers, who provided translation and guidance.
A Warm Welcome and Academic Exchange
The opening ceremony was held on September 10 in the Li Dak Sum Foreign Language Building. Ms. Weng Huaxing, Party Secretary of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, and Director Yang Meimei from the NBU International Office welcomed the delegation, highlighting the significance of the exchange for mutual understanding and friendship. They presented the Polish students with a special gift: Refined Rhymes of Siming: English Translation of Ancient Ningbo Poems, a collection edited by Professor Xin Hongjuan.
A series of expertly curated lectures formed the core of the academic exchange:
●"Beyond the Lines: A Dialogue with Ancient China along the Zhejiang Poetry Route" by Professor Xin Hongjuan explored the world of Tang poetry and its deep connection to the landscapes of Eastern Zhejiang.
●"Beyond the Leaf: Discovering Chinese Tea Culture" by Associate Professor Lin Yan introduced the history and aesthetics of Chinese tea, complete with a brewing demonstration.
●"More Than Meets the Eye: The Art of Chinese Painting" by Associate Professor Bai Songxu compared Eastern and Western artistic traditions, delving into the philosophy behind Chinese ink wash painting.
●"China in Rhythm: Stories Through Music" by Dr. Xue Jing demonstrated how music instruments can narrate Chinese stories, using examples from renowned composer Tan Dun.
●"The Power of Bajiquan: Philosophy and Application in Chinese Martial Arts" by Mr. Cui Zhenfeng combined philosophical discussion with physical practice, allowing students to experience the Chinese martial art firsthand.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
Beyond the classroom, the delegation engaged in dynamic cultural activities. They visited the Ningbo Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe for "China on Stage: Discovering Jiangnan through Yue Opera," where two Polish students even tried on costumes and learned movements from the classic Dream of the Red Chamber.
The "Crafting Time: An Immersive Heritage Handicraft Experience" workshop led by Ms. Yin Jieyan offered a chance to learn traditional Chinese bead weaving.
The "Happy Learning Chinese" sessions, designed by NBU's students majoring in English education, covered modern Chinese slang and Chinese characters. A mini-lecture on navigating China's digital life—covering mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay—proved particularly useful. An introductory Chinese calligraphy session allowed the visitors to appreciate the elegance of character writing.
A one-day cultural tour of Ningbo, arranged by the Ningbo City Investment Group, showcased the city's blend of historical heritage and modern vitality. The Polish students explored Nantang Old Street, observed traditional clay sculpture, and learned about Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Tianyi Square Guo Yi Tang.
A visit to the Ningbo International Conference & Exhibition Center's CEEC Commodity Pavilion, coordinated by the Ningbo Municipal Commerce Bureau, highlighted the vibrant economic ties between Ningbo and Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland.
At the closing ceremony, Professor He Ying, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, presented certificates of completion to the Polish students. She affirmed the success of the program, stating that it has "enriched the cooperation between the two universities and provided a platform for young students to broaden their horizons, truly realizing the goal of fostering understanding, friendship, and connection through culture."
The 2025 Chinese Culture Theme Week has laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration between Ningbo University and Jagiellonian University, paving the way for further multi-level exchanges and contributing to the educational and people-to-people bonds along the Belt and Road.
