On the morning of May 12, 2026, international students from two classes at Shanghai Theatre Academy’s International College took part in a Song Brocade cultural experience — an event that brought them closer to traditional Chinese aesthetics through hands-on crafting.

Song Brocade is one of China’s three most famous traditional silks, known for its delicate craftsmanship and elegant, understated patterns. It represents the highest achievements of weaving technology and artistic expression in thousands of years of Chinese civilization. At the start of the event, the lead instructor introduced the history, cultural significance, and artistic status of Song Brocade in a lively and accessible way, helping international students better understand this remarkable heritage.

The students listened with full attention. Through the instructor’s engaging talk, they gained a real appreciation for the craftsmanship in traditional Chinese textiles and understood the meaning behind the saying “an inch of brocade, an inch of gold.” To make Song Brocade more tangible, a documentary from CCTV’s science channel was shown. The images brought the weaving process to life and made this intangible cultural heritage feel much closer and more accessible.

The most anticipated part of the event was the hands-on crafting session. With one-on-one guidance from professional instructors, students selected materials, assembled, and decorated their pieces, turning Song Brocade fabric into unique pendants. They focused intently on every step, from stitching to shaping and polishing. The craft they had only heard about in the lecture slowly took shape in their hands. Each finished piece reflected their curiosity and love for traditional Chinese culture, and preserved a special memory of this cultural journey.

The event combined hands-on practice with cultural learning, making it both engaging and educational. Every student left feeling enriched. After the session, they posed for a group photo with their handmade Song Brocade pieces, smiles full of pride and joy. Many shared that they had not only witnessed the beauty of this intangible cultural heritage up close, but also come to understand the deeper cultural meaning woven into every thread.

Even the instructor who attended the entire event was impressed. "This immersive, interactive experience is both innovative and meaningful," she said. "It allows international students to truly enter and fall in love with traditional Chinese culture, while quietly achieving the spread and continuation of our intangible heritage. It's a two-way journey of cultural enrichment."

With Song Brocade as a medium, the International College plans to continue offering a variety of cultural experience activities, building a platform for international students to learn about and experience China, and letting traditional Eastern culture shine through exchange.

Source: Shanghai Theatre Academy