On 15th February 2020, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) participated in an Open Day on Good Health and Well-being on DMU campus as part of our commitment to the UN-SDG3. Weoffered visitors a unique orientation of Mandarin teaching programs and cultural activitiessuch as credit-bearing courses and non-credit-bearing courses, calligraphy workshops and Tai Chisessions, etc.
Pic 1 – CI teacher introducingregular Tai Chi sessions
The CI display area is rich in exhibitsof Chinese culture, and created alive Chinese environment. Avideo showcases our free Saturday Tai Chi programoffered at Green Dragon Square in the heart of the citywith the help Leicester City Council and the Leicester International Taijiquan and Shaolin Wushi Association. It has been a classic program for the local people since 2016. The Tai Chi sessions last for about 7 months every year from April to October. They have been covered by BBC Radio (Leicester),Leicester Mercuryandother local media as a remarkable contribution to the UN-SDG on Good Health and Well-being.
Pic 2 – CI teacher introducingChinese calligraphy
Many visitors came also for the experience ofChinese calligraphy and tried to write simple Chinese characters with the Chinese writing brush. Some participants were curious to know how calligraphy activity could impact people’s physical and mental health. After practice they learned that practising calligraphy cultivates patience and carefulnessasit requires a lot of attention as well as the coordination of the heart and the hand.
Pic 3 - CI teacher presenting Guzheng performance
At the square in front of the university CampusCentre, we presented three fabulous performances of the traditional Chinese instrument Guzheng.Visitors and students were fascinated by the melody gracefully and sweetly played in tune.
The Open Day was characterised with the charm of the motions of Tai Chi and the appeal of calligraphy. Many locals and prospective students had a taste of Chinese culture and would be learners of its language.
(Draft: LIQi; Revision: YANG Yingjun)
