International students showcase their artworks. [Photo/njfu.edu.cn]

A group of 15 international students from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh and other countries took a practical course on natural dyeing at Nanjing Forestry University recently.

The four-day course helped promote traditional Chinese culture, as well as enrich international students' campus life to alleviate the pressure of being away from home for about two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Li Jiahui, a plant dyeing designer, was invited to the school to share the basic knowledge and techniques of natural dyeing with the students, as well as guide them through the process of natural plant dyeing.

The students learned how to make dyestuff out of plants, different dyeing techniques like beating the plants for dye, extracting dyeing liquid, as well as making dyeing artworks.

"I didn't expect plants to be able to produce dye of so many different shades of colors. Chinese culture is really profound," said Islam Shahidul from Bangladesh.

Hidayatul Akbar Agung Raharjo, a student from Indonesia, dyed a colorful mask for himself using the plant dyeing technique.

Nepalese student Prabal Birjung Rana, who hasn't been home for about two years, said he would wear the colorful mask he made when having a video call with his mother.