On April 24, 2026, an English Corner event titled "Trace the Liangzhu: Echoes of the Jade Cong" took place at Shanghai University's Baoshan Campus. Students from different countries sat together, using English as the key to unlock the mysteries of a 5,000-year-old civilization. In a relaxed atmosphere, they engaged with history, exchanged ideas, and came away with a deeper understanding of Liangzhu. The event was co-hosted by the Global Heritage Association (GHA) and the Mandarin Club at Shanghai University.

01 Icebreaker: First Impressions of Liangzhu

The event kicked off with a card game. Each card featured one of six key elements of Liangzhu culture—Jade Cong, Rice, Divine Pattern, Mausoleum, Water System, and Kingship—turned into fun puzzles. Students grouped up by the same word, introduced themselves in English, and shared their guesses about what the Chinese terms meant. The room quickly warmed up.

02 Decoding Liangzhu: Into the Ancient World

After the icebreaker, a student presenter gave a systematic overview of Liangzhu culture—its origins, development, and legacy. A video reconstruction of the Liangzhu site was shown, offering a vivid glimpse into the wisdom and daily life of people 5,000 years ago. It also confirmed many of the guesses students had made during the icebreaker.

 

03 Reflections: Civilization and Its Legacy

After learning the story of Liangzhu, the event moved into a cross-cultural discussion. The atmosphere was lively as Chinese and international students shared perspectives from their own cultures, compared similarities and differences among civilizations, and explored what ancient cultures mean and offer to the world today.

04 Closing: Capturing the Moment

At the end of the event, all participants gathered for a group photo. As the shutter clicked, the moment was preserved—a meeting that crossed languages, borders, and millennia, turned into a cherished memory.

From a simple card that sparked curiosity, to a presentation that decoded a civilization, to a discussion where ideas collided—this English Corner event brought Shanghai University students, both local and international, closer to Liangzhu and a deeper understanding of ancient Chinese civilization. The story of Liangzhu lives in the carvings of the jade cong, in the rice stalks of ancient paddies, and in the conversations we share today.

Source: Shanghai University