A hanfu fashion show is held during a cultural exchange event in Chongchuan, Nantong. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

On Sept 12, a cultural exchange event was held in Chongchuan, Nantong, bringing together over 20 young participants, including international youth from eight countries, such as Russia, Morocco, and Indonesia. They experienced traditional Chinese culture by wearing hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), enjoying guqin music, reciting poetry, and making lanterns.

Members of the Taowu Hanfu Club danced and hosted a hanfu fashion show, showcasing attire from the Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties (206 BC-1911). Participants were introduced to the cultural significance and design of hanfu across different historical periods by instructor Chen Yinlong.

A Moroccan student recites Robert Louis Stevenson's poem The Moon in English. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

During the event, returned student Xu Shiwen and elementary school students recited classical Chinese poetry, highlighting the richness of China's 5,000-year cultural history. A Moroccan student recited Robert Louis Stevenson's poem The Moon in English, adding an international flair to the event.

The melody of the ancient guqin (a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family), performed by a local master, filled the air with traditional Chinese tunes. At the same time, a Russian student sang in Chinese, offering her interpretation of Chinese music.

Participants make lanterns to express their wishes. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Participants enjoyed chrysanthemum tea and mooncakes while learning about local Mid-Autumn customs, such as eating duck, taro, and soybeans. The event concluded with lantern-making, where attendees wrote wishes for the festival and Chongchuan, attaching them to the lanterns for good luck.