Recently, the Yanqi Lake Campus of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) came alive with color and creativity as the School of Humanities at UCAS hosted its “Tracing the Twelve Arts” Cultural Festival. Set just outside the north gate of Guoke Café, the event blended elegance, craftsmanship, and imagination, inviting students from across the globe to explore the richness of classical Chinese culture.
A series of interactive booths showcased iconic traditional arts—from flowing hanfu (a kind of traditional clothing of the Chinese people) and graceful dance demonstrations to tea brewing, brush-and-ink calligraphy, the strategic world of Go, archery practice, and playful lantern riddles. Each booth offered hands-on activities alongside exhibition panels that introduced the history and cultural significance of each art form. The festival space felt like a living, breathing museum—one where tradition could not only be observed, but touched, practiced, and rediscovered.
International students were especially engaged. Many expressed delight and curiosity as they tried on hanfu for the first time, attempted the precise control required for calligraphy, or steadied themselves for an archery shot. Their enthusiasm and laughter added a warm sense of connection, turning the event into a lively moment of cultural exchange.
For UCAS, the festival was more than a celebration of heritage—it reflected the university’s commitment to fostering meaningful global interaction on campus. Here
is a highlight video capturing the festival’s most memorable scenes.
640&&360&&0&&5d6e170b14034fa8b7672f227d4f32b2
Editor: GAO Yuan
