April 20, 2025, marks the 16th United Nations Chinese Language Day. The Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education and the Chinese Plus launched an initiative under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space." Shandong University, together with its overseas Confucius Institutes, organized a series of themed events around this special day.
Under the theme "Carrying Forward the Legacy of Qilu Culture, Awakening Confucian Wisdom for the Contemporary World—A Global Exploration of Confucianism by Chinese Language Learners," Shandong University designed activities centered on four key concepts: "exploring writing,” “tasting literature,” “seeking cultural roots,” and “continuing civilization." Emphasizing tangible expressions of classical texts, immersive ceremonial scenes, and meaningful cultural dialogues, the activities leveraged the regional advantages of Qilu culture. Students engaged deeply with the cultural genes embedded in Chinese characters through hands-on experiences such as traditional printing, ritual clothing practices, and poetic readings about landscapes. These activities resonated with Shandong University's academic strength in the humanities and its educational philosophy of "nurturing talent for the world." Academic lectures, cultural workshops, Chinese language competitions, and artistic performances were organized both on campus and at overseas Confucius Institutes.
As the opening event of Shandong University's 2025 "International Chinese Language Day" celebrations, the College of International Education led students on a cultural exploration tour titled "Exploring Writing—Tracing a Millennium of Chinese characters" at the Shandong University Museum and the Center for Research and Experience of Traditional Chinese Culture. Guided by museum docents, students learned about the historical evolution of Chinese characters through artifacts such as Dinggong pottery inscriptions and oracle bone inscriptions. They also discovered the artistic and aesthetic significance embedded in the decorative patterns and auspicious meanings of ancient roof tiles beyond their architectural function. International students experienced traditional woodblock printing featuring the twelve zodiac signs in oracle bone script, gaining a hands-on understanding of the historical development and cultural richness of Chinese characters.
The College of International Education also organized the "Tracing Cultural Roots and Passing on the Legacy" experiential activity. On April 26, international students visited the century-old Hongjitang Pharmacy to explore traditional Chinese medicine culture. At the Linuo Group Exhibition Hall, they learned how Chinese herbs are transformed into healthcare and therapeutic products through advanced Chinese manufacturing. At the Hongjitang Museum, students explored ancient medical records, traditional preparation tools, and secret health-preserving recipes, experiencing the living tradition of Chinese medicine integrated into daily life and healthcare. Before Chinese Language Day, international students also visited the Shandong Provincial Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine to view historical artifacts, herbal specimens, and human anatomy exhibits, gaining insights into the development of Chinese medicine in Qilu and its interaction with local culture. At the Shandong Museum, they explored the "Top Ten Treasures of the Museum," deepening their understanding of ancient Shandong society, religious beliefs, and aesthetic concepts. Students compared these artifacts with similar items from their home countries, interpreting their cultural value in connection with contemporary life.
Alumni and alumnae from Chile, Afghanistan, and other frontline Chinese language educators at home and abroad recorded special video messages for International Chinese Language Day, expressing their strong support and best wishes for the Chinese language cause. Their messages conveyed a spirit of inclusiveness and underscored the CIE’s commitment to their mission of cultural communication.
Faculty and students from Shandong University's Confucius Institutes in Singapore, Mongolia and Serbia also actively participated in the International Chinese Language Day celebrations. Through a variety of activities, including Chinese language competitions, reading clubs, and cultural workshops, they presented vibrant cultural experiences to local communities.
The Confucius Institute at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore collaborated with the Hanlin Reading Club to participate in Singapore's "2025 World Book Day" event, inviting Lianhe Zaobao columnists Ye Xiaozhong and Zhang Zhihua as guest speakers for a reading club attended by 85 participants from various sectors.
Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, and organized by the Confucius Institute at the National University of Mongolia, the Chinese Talent Show and "Lanting Elegant Collection" Calligraphy Competition for Mongolian primary and secondary school students pushed the atmosphere of the International Chinese Language Day celebrations to a climax through performances, calligraphy contests, and interactive experiences.
At the Confucius Institute at the University of Belgrade in Serbia, a Chinese calligraphy workshop was held where local participants experienced the structural, artistic, and cultural beauty of Chinese characters through hands-on writing.
In addition, activities such as the Creative Chinese Character Writing Competition, the Fun Chinese Language Competition, the "Daily Renewal" innovative experience of intangible cultural heritage, and the "Youth Voices of the World" forum were carried out in succession, creating a rich atmosphere for International Chinese Language Day and fully showcasing Shandong University's achievements in international Chinese education. The series of International Chinese Language Day activities at Shandong University fostered an environment of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness, playing a positive role in amplifying China's voice, telling China's stories, and enhancing linguistic connectivity, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange among faculty and students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
