On March 19, 2026, Shanghai University organized an "Experience China" cultural and social immersion event for international students. More than twenty international students visited the Shanghai Baoshan International Folk Arts Exposition, where they experienced Chinese culture firsthand.

Led by a guide, the international students explored a variety of traditional cultural exhibits. They listened to the history of Chinese drums and tried playing them themselves, feeling the energy of the beats. In the food culture section, models and illustrations showed the regional styles of China’s Eight Great Cuisines. Many students said they hadn’t tried most of these dishes and looked forward to doing so.

In the folk customs hall, traditional wedding artifacts offered the students a glimpse into Chinese marriage traditions. Nearby, exhibits featuring purple clay teapots and traditional Chinese paintings also caught their attention. Adding a modern twist, several AI-powered interactive experiences were available, including AI-assisted pottery design and a virtual pipa-playing installation. These hands-on activities blended technology with tradition, making the experience more engaging.

The event ended in a lively and cheerful atmosphere, and the students were reluctant to leave. Many shared that concepts they had only read about in books now felt tangible and real, and that they had gained a deeper, more personal understanding of Chinese folk culture.

Source: Shanghai University