Students and faculty from the Nottingham Confucius Institute at the University of Nottingham pose for a group photo during their visit to Zoumatang village, located in Yinzhou district, Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A group of students and faculty from the Nottingham Confucius Institute at the University of Nottingham recently concluded their tour to China with a visit to Zoumatang village, located in Yinzhou district, Ningbo.

The village is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, having been home to 76 jinshi - a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations in ancient China.

During their visit, the British delegation, donning traditional hanfu attire, strolled through the village, immersing themselves in its rich history. The village's traditional blue brick and gray tile architecture transported them back in time, providing a glimpse into ancient Chinese culture.

The delegation savored local delicacies such as rice cakes and enjoyed a mesmerizing tea ceremony performance. They also actively participated in traditional Chinese sports including cuju (an ancient form of football), touhu (pitch-pot), and chuiwan (a game similar to golf), further embracing the local culture.

Prior to their visit to Zoumatang village, the delegation had explored various landmarks in Shanghai and Beijing before arriving in Ningbo on April 15. Their itinerary included visits to Tianyi Pavilion, Nantang Old Street, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and finally Zoumatang village.

One of the students in the delegation, known by his Chinese name Ma Tianjun, expressed his affection for Ningbo. Having previously studied in China for three months at East China Normal University in 2019, this marked his second visit to the country. Fluent in Chinese, he was bestowed with a Chinese name by his first Chinese friend. "We've been to Shanghai and Beijing, but I prefer Ningbo. It's a very comfortable city," he remarked.                                         

The visiting British delegation learns to make tea. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]