Participants of the 16th Chinese Bridge- Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students visited Guandu Ancient Town and the old streets of Kunming.
They experienced the historical and cultural charm of Kunming, a city of great historical significance, where they wandered through the old streets and alleys, tasting local deserts and learning about Yunnan’s intangible cultural skills.
"These small and intricately patterned bronze pieces, when assembled into delicate pots, are really amazing!" Meng Huixin from the United States said as she took pictures of the intricately crafted pieces.
The material used is black bronze, formed by a process wherein silver, gold and copper are mixed together in accordance with a prescribed practice. Craftsmen will carve intricate patterns on the black bronze, and then apply silver or gold along the carvings. High temperatures and chemical methods are used to make the silver or gold integrate with the copper. The bronze, after cooling down, is burnished and polished, at which point it will appear black, but the silver or gold pattern will appear clearly, yielding black-white or black-yellow effects.
"Through these handicrafts, I can see the dedication of Yunnan artisans to their craft and the pursuit of beauty," Meng Huixin said.
In addition, the participants also visited live demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage, such as dough sculpture and Yunnan-style painted snuff bottles.
On the old streets of Kunming, participants explored local food. Some sat in cafes, basking in the sun and chatting, while others took photos to mark their visit. Some bought snacks to share with friends, and some even joined local dance groups.
Argentinian participant Li Qinyao and her friends strolled and savored the experience, saying, "The architecture here is quite different from other places in Kunming. It has a lot of charm, lots of people, and various shops selling things. My friends and I took many photos."
At a jewelry stall, Indian participant Xiaojing was selecting a bead bracelet with her name on it. This bracelet, bearing her Chinese name, turned her memories of Kunming into a tangible keepsake that she could carry with her.
