On March 29, a spring outing themed “Seeking Spring in Qinshan · Embracing the Charm of Intangible Cultural Heritage” was held in Qinshan Village, Zhenhai District. The Nottingham Confucius Institute China Ningbo Branch brought 28 international students and staff from seven countries to the countryside. Through nature exploration and hands-on activities, they experienced the unique charm of Chinese intangible cultural heritage and the local customs of rural eastern Zhejiang.

The group first visited the Wenxi History and Culture Museum, where they learned about the cultural heritage of the region. They then hiked along the lakeside trail of Qinshan Reservoir, enjoying the lake views and bamboo forests while taking in the peaceful spring scenery.

In the afternoon, the students took part in team-building activities. A traditional “rocking the pot” activity proved very popular, as participants worked together to rock a large iron pot, filling the air with laughter and cheers.

To wrap up the day, the students tried tie-dyeing, a traditional craft. Guided by a teacher, they learned folding, binding, and dyeing techniques, and used their creativity to make their own blue-and-white patterned works. When their pieces were finished, they were overjoyed and eagerly took photos.

The one-day trip gave the international students a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and rural development through firsthand experience. They said it was a rewarding cultural trip, where they not only made new friends but also felt the unique charm of Chinese traditions.