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The Chinese bamboo painting activity organized by the "Hello, China" Blue Ribbon Culture Project was held at the Yuquan Road Campus of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). International students from different countries, with a keen interest in traditional Chinese culture, gathered together to explore the unique charm of Chinese painting and experience the elegant rhythm of bamboo and the delicate fragrance of ink. At the event venue, rice paper was spread out, and ink and water merged, instantly bringing participants into a serene and distant artistic world.
Associate Professor CAO Zhihong, the instructor for this event, chief of the project, and lecturer of the course China Panorama, invited SUN Yanan from the China National Academy of Painting to give instruction to the international students together. With their profound artistic skills and affinity, the two teachers became bridges connecting international students with the art of Chinese painting. The teachers not only elaborated on the symbolic meaning of bamboo in Chinese culture – integrity, resilience, and humility – but also demonstrated the basic techniques of Chinese painting, from the posture of holding the brush to the use of ink colors, revealing the essence and charm of Chinese painting in every stroke.
The teachers emphasized that the essence of Chinese painting is a state of pursuing the harmonious unity of inner peace and outer nature. Students need to bring their minds back to serenity when creating and always maintain inner calm and concentration, so as to dialogue with nature, perceive the beauty of nature and life, and feel the subtle changes of ink in every stroke and brushwork, making the works more vivid and full of vitality.
With the guidance of the teachers, the international students picked up their brushes, dipped them in ink, and began to outline the bamboo shadows in their hearts on the rice paper. Under the guidance of the teachers, by adjusting their breathing, relaxing their bodies and minds, and constantly trying and revising, the international students gradually found their rhythm. The bamboo under their brushes gradually came to life, either standing tall and upright or swaying with the wind. Each work carried the international students' understanding and perception of Chinese culture showing their unique insights and boundless love for Eastern aesthetics.
At the end of the event, every international student proudly displayed their works, with smiles of satisfaction and joy on their faces.
The "Hello, China" Blue Ribbon Culture Project has been implemented at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences for five consecutive years. Every year, it brings cultural experience activities with different themes to international students, ranging from calligraphy to painting, from dance to Peking Opera, and from the Mid-Autumn Festival to stage dramas. Each activity allows international students to have close contact with and gain a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture, thereby promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning.
"Art is a language without borders. I hope that through such activities, more international students can feel the charm of Chinese culture and build bridges of friendship and understanding in their heart," CAO said.
Florence Adhiambo Anyango Wanga （Kenya）showing her painting
Florence Adhiambo Anyango Wanga:
I have always heard about Chinese drawing and Chinese paintings but was never keen on how it was done and why. In my country, to come up with a perfect picture, one needs a whole lot of tools to be able to do that. But yesterday I attended a Chinese painting session organised by my China Panorama teacher, Professor Cao, and I noticed a unique thing about Chinese painting, just a brush, a very unique paper, water and color. Honestly, the first question in my mind was, "where is the pencil for drawing?". I was curious and at the same time very excited to know how this will work out.At the beginning of the session I was tensed abit because it was my first time but the teacher kept reminding us to be relaxed because for one to be able to do Chinese painting, the first thing you need is inner peace. Well, I got to relax and did it!
I realized one thing, Chinese painting is not just a session but it is a captivating journey into Harmony and expression. Each brush stroke carries a story of balance between nature and humanity. Chinese people love bamboo because it is a symbol of integrity and honesty and good virtue in a man. As one paints, that rhythm allows you to feel the essence of tradition and creativity merging on the canvas. This was a very beautiful and calming experience for me and every time I will look at my painting, I will always be grateful for that. I am also grateful to my teacher, Professor Cao for her love and dedication to teach us the amazing things about China, every experience with her and all the knowledge that comes from her is worth holding on to.
Khushang Ashurov showing his painting
Khushang Ashurov:
I’m Khushang Ashurov. I’m from Tajikistan.
Chinese painting is a profound and intricate art form that reflects the rich cultural heritage and philosophical depth of China. One of the most striking aspects of Chinese painting is its emphasis on harmony with nature. The use of brush strokes and ink wash techniques creates a unique aesthetic experience.
I had luck to participate in a Chinese painting activity created by Professor 曹志红 (Jitta), which was amazing inspirational class full of interesting activities. The class left unforgettable emotions and new knowledge regarding Chinese painting art.
I appreciate Professor 曹志红 (Jitta) for organizing such a fantastic and unforgettable activity.
Daban Mohammed Saeed (Iraq) showing his painting
Daban Mohammed Saeed:
I feel incredibly lucky to have joined Chinese painting (Guo Hua) class, where we learned how to paint bamboo. It was my first time painting anything, and to my surprise, I managed to create a decent-looking bamboo! This was all thanks to the excellent guidance of Prof Cao and her professional artist colleague, as they patiently took us step by step through the painting process.
Painting brought me so much happiness—I completely forgot all my worries and focused entirely on the brush and colors. It was such an enjoyable experience, and I would love to do it again on my own.
Thanks for offering this wonderful class.I feel incredibly lucky to have joined Chinese painting (Guo Hua) class, where we learned how to paint bamboo. It was my first time painting anything, and to my surprise, I managed to create a decent-looking bamboo! This was all thanks to the excellent guidance of the Prof Cao and her professional artist colleague, as they patiently took us step by step through the painting process.
Painting brought me so much happiness—I completely forgot all my worries and focused entirely on the brush and colors. It was such an enjoyable experience, and I would love to do it again on my own.
Thanks for offering this wonderful class.
Sidra Tul Muntaha (Pakistan) showing her painting
Sidra Tul Muntaha:
As a science student, I am usually immersed in the world of logic, facts, and experiments. However, when my China Panorama teacher organized a painting class focused on Chinese bamboos, I found myself stepping into a different kind of world. The act of mixing blue and yellow to create various shades of green was unexpectedly satisfying. The simple yet profound task of painting bamboo felt like an exploration not just of colors, but of a culture and natural beauty I hadn’t fully appreciated before. It was intriguing to blend scientific precision with artistic freedom, and I was amazed at how each brushstroke brought the bamboo to life. The experience allowed me to connect with my creative side, balancing the structured world of science with the flowing expression of art.
Naeem Ahmad (Pakistan) showing his painting
Naeem Ahmad:
The Chinese painting event was a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, culture, and history. I was fascinated by the traditional Chinese painting techniques and the symbolism of bamboo - truly enlightening. Our instructors' passion and expertise made the experience even more memorable. I always believed painting is an art that helps you develop focus and bring peace of mind: This activity truly enriched my perception. I'm grateful to Prof. Cao who brought us this opportunity to feel and learn this beautiful art of a rich culture.
Mohamed Reda Mekouar (Morocco) showing his painting
Mohamed Reda Mekouar:
I was really pleased to take part in this beautiful and enriching activity that was the "国画“ (guó huà or Chinese painting). It was an amazing opportunity to learn more about chinese culture and get more in touch with some of its main components, namely, the harmony, the connection with self, and the connection with nature.
Drawing bamboo with the brush that is itself made from nature required us to be relaxed but also focused. The change of intension in the pressure we apply while putting the colors and ink on our paper, the different styles, the mixing of colors, embodied feelings we are very familiar in life, whether it be the cyclicity of so-called life or its diversity with all we go through, from good to bad, from happiness to sadness.
It was an honour to get to be taught by some of the most brilliant and caring teachers, namely Cao laoshi, who has been inspiring all year through by teaching us China Panorama with lots of enthusiasm and made lots of effort to make this cultural activity happen as well as numerous others. Without forgetting [insert the name of the art teacher] laoshi, which transmitted to her best all the values and thoughts that were to be applied to refine our painting skills.
Once again, I would love to say how much I am thankful to have participated in such an awesome experience and can not thank you enough for all it made us feel and express.
Zohra Naseem (Pakistan) showing her painting
Zohra Naseem:
I've always wanted to try painting, and yesterday's "Chinese Painting Activity" was a dream come true.I thoroughly enjoyed it and had a fantastic time. This experience helped us create beautiful paintings, and I'm so grateful for that.We learned so much from this activity, and Prof. Cao teaching made the experience even more enjoyable. Moreover, I also gained valuable knowledge about the importance of bamboo trees, which was fascinating. Thank you for arranging such creative activities.
