Students and scholars participate in a dialogue on classic Chinese poetry. [Photo/Center for Language Education and Cooperation]

A cross-cultural Chinese poetry program concluded on June 5 at Nanjing Normal University, with young participants from multiple countries connecting through classical Chinese literature.

Students from around the globe participate in the Chinese poetry-themed event. [Photo/Center for Language Education and Cooperation]

Rather than a conventional academic event, the program was a lively cultural exchange, where poetry was reimagined through performance, visual art and dialogue.

A UK student from Nanjing University performed Kunqu Opera during the event, noting a growing interest in the traditional art form among young people around him.

Students give a performance during the event. [Photo/Center for Language Education and Cooperation]

A highlight of the event came from a Belarusian student, who majors in Chinese language and literature major at Nanjing Normal University. Her hand-drawn artwork depicting mountains, a solitary boat and an elderly fisherman was inspired by the classical line "A lonely fisherman afloat, is fishing snow in lonely boat."

She said studying classical poetry is a great way to understand Chinese culture while also strengthening linguistic ability.

Professor Li Bo of Nanjing Normal University also led a dialogue, exploring Chinese poetry through three enduring motifs: family affection, friendship, and harmony between humanity and nature.

Since April, the program has been held in six countries and seven cities, including Nairobi, London, Sao Paulo and Moscow, introducing international audiences to the richness of Chinese poetry and fostering cultural exchange across borders.