On the afternoon of June 9, Shanghai Ocean University hosted a cultural experience event titled " Experience China – Porcelain Engraving for Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance" at its Student Activity Center. The event was sponsored by the China Scholarship Council, guided by the university's International Student Office, and organized by the Student Affairs Department. Using porcelain plates as canvases and carving knives as tools, the event combined hands-on cultural immersion with maritime-themed expression and meaningful engagement with Chinese culture. Through each cut and engraving, students discovered the beauty of intangible heritage and shared their personal stories about life in China.

On May 30, instructor Zhang Zhongshuai opened the event with a detailed introduction to porcelain engraving. He covered its history, artistic characteristics, and production techniques. He traced the craft back to jade carving in the Qin and Han dynasties and showed how it evolved into a distinct decorative art form by the Qing Dynasty. This gave students a solid foundation before they picked up their tools. Zhang then moved on to a hands-on demonstration and walked students through the key steps, which included drafting a design, carving the pattern, and applying color. Under his guidance, they practiced engraving basic lines and simple motifs. Through this process, they came to appreciate the craft's demands, such as patience, concentration, steady hands, and a keen eye for aesthetics. They also experienced firsthand the essence of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, where every cut and engraving reveals true skill.

From May 31 to June 5, students moved into the independent creation phase. They designed and engraved their own porcelain pieces, drawing on their personal experiences at the university and their understanding of Chinese culture. The white porcelain plates became canvases for their emotions and stories. Each fine incision captured something they had observed, felt, or thought about during their time in China. Some students featured marine elements like waves and fish in their works, reflecting the university's maritime identity. Others drew inspiration from their Chinese language classes, daily campus life, and explorations around Shanghai, transforming their growth experiences in China into visual language. A few students blended symbols from their home cultures with traditional Chinese patterns, creating vivid images of cross-cultural exchange on the small porcelain surface.

On June 9, participants gathered for the presentation and sharing session. One by one, they took the stage to present their works and talk about their creative inspiration, the meaning behind their chosen patterns, the carving process, and the cultural stories embedded in their designs. They also shared their understanding of China, Shanghai, the university, and traditional Chinese culture. Each porcelain plate and each story revealed not just artistic talent, but also the students' personal experiences and heartfelt reflections during their time in China. Through this combination of work presentation and storytelling, the event moved beyond cultural understanding and technical practice into emotional expression and cross-cultural dialogue. The intangible heritage works became a unique medium for international students to tell their personal stories about life in China.

The activity was structured to guide students through a complete journey: first understand the craft, then try it themselves, and finally share what they had created and learned. Each stage built on the one before, moving from cultural context to hands-on practice to personal storytelling. By the end, students had not only completed their own porcelain engravings but also gained a deeper appreciation for the spirit and artistry behind this traditional Chinese craft.

This event served as a meaningful example of how Shanghai Ocean University is working to deepen international students' understanding of China, promote cross-cultural exchange, and explore new approaches to cultural education. Building on its strengths in marine disciplines and open education, the university plans to offer more hands-on cultural experiences through the "Experience China" program. The goal is to give international students opportunities to engage with Chinese culture firsthand, share their perspectives, and become bridges between cultures—helping China's stories reach a wider audience.

Source: Shanghai Ocean University