On July 3, 2026, the Graduate Education Office and the International and Domestic Cooperation Department of the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica jointly hosted the "Charming Cities · Splendid China" event as part of the "Encounter China, Shine Worldwide" series. A total of 34 participants took part, including visiting graduate students from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada and representative Chinese and international graduate students from the institute, coming together for a cross-cultural encounter.

The event was opened by Ms. WANG Hui, Deputy Director of the Graduate Education Office, who served as the host. She began by articulating the event's core purpose: "to foster friendship among Chinese and international youth and promote multicultural mutual learning." The event was thoughtfully designed with two main segments: "City Culture Sharing" and "Intangible Cultural Heritage Hands-on Experience." During the city-sharing session, WANG Hui first led everyone on a "virtual tour" of Shanghai, journeying from the ancient charm of Zhujiajiao to the modern bustle of Lujiazui, vividly showcasing the city's inclusive spirit. She also delivered an impromptu and engaging mini-lesson in both Mandarin and the Shanghai dialect. Following that, GAO Sijie, a graduate student at the institute, presented "Half City of Peach Blossoms, Half City of Lakes," exploring the watery poetic beauty of Changde in Hunan Province. UBC student Francis Yee Dai then shared the mountain-and-ocean allure and cultural character of Vancouver, offering those present a glimpse of the distinctive charm from across the Pacific.

In the intangible cultural heritage experience segment, the students transformed into "artisans," crafting traditional Chinese-style phone pouches using Song brocade—a national-level intangible cultural heritage material. Through threading needles and stitching fabrics, both Chinese and international students gained a hands-on appreciation for the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional arts and the profound depth of Chinese civilization. They helped one another, exchanging not only sewing techniques but also drawing closer in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. In the end, a collection of elegant and refined Song-brocade phone pouches made their stunning debut. The students proudly displayed their creations and shared their creative insights, filling the venue with laughter and an air of youthful vitality and cultural richness.

This cultural exchange event not only offered international students an immersive experience of the unique allure of traditional Chinese culture, but also built a bridge of connection between the hearts of Chinese and international youth at the institute. Looking ahead, the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica will continue to leverage the "Encounter China, Shine Worldwide" brand platform to deepen its international education efforts, allowing more "shining" stories to blossom through the collision of Chinese and global cultures.

Contact:

DIAO Wentong

Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica

E-mail: diaowentong@simm.ac.cn