International students from Yangzhou University take a boat ride on the Grand Canal on Nov 13. [Photo/WeChat account: yzucoe]

An activity aiming to teach international students about the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal kicked off in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province on Nov 13, local media reported.

The activity was warmly received by over 100 international students from nearly 50 countries and regions who are studying at Yangzhou University. It focused on the rich culture surrounding the Grand Canal and China's efforts to improve the environment.

The students visited an ecological and cultural park in Sanwan area and an ancient ferry park, enjoyed a taste of Huaiyang Cuisine, one of China’s four major cuisines, and tried their hands at traditional woodblock printing, dough modeling, and puppetry.

The students also learned how the historic city of Yangzhou developed and prospered alongside the Grand Canal, how the canal has connected Yangzhou with other cities, and the importance of the canal in the city’s sustainable development.

The students said they were grateful for the opportunity to study in Yangzhou and will play their part to protect the canal and promote its culture.

The activity was organized by the World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization, Yangzhou Public Diplomacy Association, Yangzhou Tourism Association, and the College for Overseas Education at Yangzhou University.

An international student tries his hand at woodblock printing. [Photo/WeChat account: yzucoe]

Students take a photo with a bridge designed to resemble a paper-cutting in the background. [Photo/WeChat account: yzucoe]