On September 23, Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) held a paper-cutting workshop for international students, offering them an opportunity to learn about Chinese paper-cutting, a traditional folk art recognized as intangible cultural heritage, and to experience the art firsthand.

Co-hosted by SHOU’s Student Affairs Office, International Student Office, and College of Foreign Languages, and organized by the College of Foreign Languages, the workshop was the first of three themed activities designed to help international students adjust to studying and living in Shanghai. The three activities feature experiences of traditional Chinese culture and introduce students to different aspects of Shanghai, including the development of the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the city’s urban landscape.

At the start of the workshop, Zhang Yu from the College of Foreign Languages, who served as the workshop instructor, briefed students on safety guidelines for the activity. Zhang then introduced the history and cultural significance of Chinese paper-cutting, as well as its different styles and auspicious symbolism. A demonstration of paper-cutting techniques followed.

During the hands-on session, the students used provided patterns to cut out traditional window decorations and the Chinese character “囍,” meaning “double happiness,” both commonly associated with good wishes. The finished pieces were then mounted so the students could keep them as mementos of the workshop.

Afterward, the students showed their paper-cuts and shared their reflections on the activity before taking a group photo.

The workshop gave the students a closer look at Chinese folk culture while also helping them get to know one another and build connections as they settled into life at SHOU.

 

Source: Study at SHOU