Southeast University recently organized a cultural exchange program for international students in Nanhua county, Yunnan province. Students from eight countries, including the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, Timor-Leste, and Senegal, had the opportunity to witness firsthand the latest developments in rural areas of China.

Isac Amaral Pereira from Timor-Leste gives a presentation on traditional costume in his country to students in Nanhua county. [Photo/WeChat account: Study at SEU]

During their visit to Nanhua, international students conducted cultural courses at Nanhua No 1 High School and Nanhua Ethnic Middle School. Dressed in their respective national attire, they shared their language, culture, cuisine, and clothing. They also partook in joint reading activities with local students using books they donated.

An international student tries her hand at Yi Embroidery. [Photo/WeChat account: Study at SEU]

At the Nanhua Qicai Yizhou Embroidery Processing Factory, students interacted closely with Ding Lanying, an inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage item Yi Embroidery. They donned the traditional attire of the Yi ethnic group and learned Yi embroidery under the guidance of skilled artisans. The students also explored the charm of Yi culture at the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture Museum, China Yi Traditional Medicine Exhibition Hall, Solar Calendar Park, and Yi People Ancient Town.

Students also visited an e-commerce industrial park to learn more about online marketing strategies in rural areas. They participated in live-streams, promoting local specialties such as wild mushrooms, Yi embroidery, and walnuts to online audiences.

International students from Southeast University promote Nanhua's local specialties through a live-stream. [Photo/WeChat account: Study at SEU]

Since 2013, Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province has been actively contributing to Nanhua county's development in terms of education, healthcare, livelihood, and industry.