Expat promotes Chinese traditional culture in Ukraine

Konstantin from Ukraine learns Chinese painting at the Red Peony Academy of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Shestopalov Konstantin from Ukraine, who lived in Ningbo for eight years, plans to promote Chinese culture in his hometown by teaching Chinese painting.

Konstantin, a former teacher at NingboTech University, is a Chinese culture enthusiast who learned Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal carving and taichi during his time in Ningbo. "It's more than a hobby for me, it's my way of experiencing and understanding Chinese culture," said Konstantin, "I can't remember how many paintings and characters I've practiced, but my passion for Chinese culture is still huge.”

Konstantin returned to Ukraine on August 9, where he will set up the first overseas branch of the Red Peony Academy of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy and teach Chinese painting to locals.

"Chinese products are popular in my hometown, but people haven't yet realized that Chinese culture is much more fascinating. I would like to share what I learned in Ningbo to people in Ukraine.”

Established in 2012, the Red Peony Academy of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy provides a platform for residents and expats in Ningbo to learn traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. It has attracted more than 12,000 expats from over 170 countries.