On June 7, 2025, the inaugural "Zhongning Plastics Cup" and the 4th Shanghai International Student Taijiquan Friendship Competition were held at the Baoshan Campus of Shanghai University. As the melodious strains of traditional Chinese music filled the air, participants dressed in Taijiquan uniforms took the stage one by one, marking the beginning of a grand cultural exchange through the art of Tai Chi. The event attracted international students from 16 universities across the Yangtze River Delta region. The Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) delegation consisted of 15 individual competitors and 7 team participants. Through the fluid harmony of strength and softness in their movements, they showcased the unique charm of Taijiquan culture, fostering friendship and mutual appreciation among peers.

1 The SISU International Student Delegation Returned with Honors

At the competition venue, the contestants were in high spirits and exuded confidence. On the mat, their movements flowed with cloud-like grace, each posture perfectly capturing the essence of Taijiquan. After the competition, the SISU international student team demonstrated solid fundamentals and exceptional performance, ultimately securing third prize in the group category. In the individual events: Zhu Zehan and Pu Haiqiao won the first prize; Er Yu and Bao Yelin won the second prize; Bo Ta, Zhu Yumo, Qiu Yue, and Ye Zi won the third prize. Nguyen Thi Hong Anh and Darie received the merit award.

To achieve outstanding results in this competition, SISU's international student participants underwent intensive pre-event training. Within just one month, under the guidance of professional instructors, they meticulously refined each movement, striving to perfectly demonstrate the essence of Taijiquan during the competition. After the competition, the award-winning participants expressed that through their involvement in this event, they not only deepened their understanding and appreciation of Chinese traditional culture but also gained valuable experience in exchanging with international students from other universities.

2 Showcasing Excellence on the Taiji Stage

Bao Yelin, a first-year undergraduate student from Russia who served as team captain, led intensive training sessions for her teammates. On competition day, she and her squad encouraged each other, giving their all in both individual and group performances. "Taijiquan embodies profound Chinese culture—I truly enjoyed both the learning process and the competition," Bao Yelin remarked.

Nguyen Thi Hong Anh from Vietnam was captivated by Taijiquan’s unique harmony of yin and yang, strength and softness, marveling at the depth of ancient wisdom and traditional Chinese culture.  Despite sustaining a leg injury just days before the event, she persevered through the pain. "I didn't want our collective efforts to go to waste. The discomfort was temporary, but our teamwork was enduring." Her determination became a driving force behind the team’s third-place victory.

Zhu Yumo, from Thailand, found relaxation in both body and mind through the grace and fluidity of Tai Chi, and she also learned perseverance and self-control. During the preparation for the competition, she practiced every day and delved into the meaning and rhythm of the movements. "This experience has not only enhanced my Tai Chi skills but also allowed me to meet many like-minded friends," said Zhu Yumo. She hopes to further explore the vast realm of Chinese traditional culture through Tai Chi.

These outstanding achievements at the Taijiquan Friendship Competition vividly demonstrate SISU international students' active engagement with Chinese culture and commitment to self-improvement. Their success adds a brilliant stroke to the university's legacy of cross-cultural exchange.

 

Source: Study at SISU