US students attend a Chinese calligraphy activity in the library of the Primary School Affiliated to Jinling High School. [Photo/WeChat account: jsjyws_jeaie]

A delegation of students and teachers from South Pasadena High School in the United States visited the Primary School Affiliated to Jinling High School in Nanjing on April 3 for a special cultural exchange centered on traditional Chinese arts.

Inside the school library, young cultural ambassadors from the host school guided their US guests through hands-on experiences in four signature Chinese traditions: calligraphy, ink painting, paper-cutting, and Chinese chess.

US students hold plum blossom paintings they made. [Photo/WeChat account: jsjyws_jeaie]

At the calligraphy station, US students learned to hold a brush and write Chinese characters such as "春" (spring) and "福" (blessing). Next, art teachers and members of the painting club from the primary school showed them how to depict plum blossoms.

Chinese and US students craft paper-cuts. [Photo/WeChat account: jsjyws_jeaie]

The paper-cutting activity brought laughter and amazement. Following demonstrations by local students and teachers, the guests folded red paper and created symmetrical flower patterns. Cheers erupted as the intricate designs were revealed, highlighting the joy and creativity of this folk art.

In the chess corner, students explained the rules and strategies of Chinese chess. Friendly matches followed, allowing the visitors to appreciate the logic and tradition behind the game.

To conclude the visit, the primary school presented the US delegation with a poetry collection written by the school's students. In return, the visitors gifted a keepsake signed by all the US students.