On March 1, 2025, the “Spring Radiance and Bright Scenery · Echoes of Ancient and Modern Times” English Corner event, organised by QMES, took place at the

“THE Longest Day In Chang'an” immersive Tang-style street market in Qujiang Grand Tang Mall of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Forty-five Chinese and foreign teachers and students, dressed in traditional Hanfu, engaged in cross-cultural dialogue within the Tang-style architecture. This event creatively established a practical classroom that integrates traditional culture with foreign language learning.

World Café Discussion: In-Depth Dialogue on Traditional Culture

The core segment of this event was the “World Café” group discussion, where teachers and students engaged in in-depth exchanges on key issues of Chinese culture. Participants deepened their discussion outcomes through hand-drawn posters and all-English presentations. In the opening session, the host, Geng Tao, briefly introduced the background, objectives, and structure of the event, while providing an overview of the history and culture of Hanfu, giving the audience a preliminary understanding of the cultural significance of this symbol. Following this, participants freely formed groups of six to eight people, introduced themselves, and set the stage for a conducive atmosphere for further in-depth discussions.

Subsequently, the teachers and students moved into the group discussion phase, where they engaged in an in-depth exploration of two core topics: “The Unique Features of Hanfu and How It Represents Chinese Traditional Culture” and “The Similarities and Differences Between Xi’an Culture and Hometown Cultures”. Drawing on their personal experiences, participants examined the cultural value of Hanfu from multiple perspectives, including its design, historical origins, and cultural symbolism, while also comparing the cultural characteristics of different regions. Throughout the discussion, there was active interaction among participants, who shared their insights, deepened their understanding of cultural phenomena, and visualised their discussion outcomes through posters, fully showcasing the diverse perspectives of cross-cultural communication.

After the discussion, each group began creating posters to present their discussion outcomes in a creative, visual format combining both text and images. Representatives were selected to provide an all-English explanation of the posters. During the presentation session, students expressed their views fluently in English, using the posters to vividly explain the uniqueness of Hanfu culture and its symbolic significance, while also sharing their perspectives on cultural exchange and identity. From clothing culture to urban culture, from historical heritage to modern development, the multi-faceted discussions allowed both teachers and students to gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Chinese culture, while also broadening their global perspectives within a cross-cultural context.

The free discussion and interactive session further stimulated the enthusiasm of both teachers and students. They engaged in exchanges on topics such as the international dissemination of Hanfu culture, the evolution of clothing across different cultural contexts, and the sense of cultural identity. Foreign teachers also shared their understanding and impressions of Hanfu culture, drawing on their cultural backgrounds. They encouraged students to maintain an open mindset in cross-cultural communication and to strengthen their cultural confidence. At the end of the event, all participants gathered for a group photo, marking a perfect conclusion to this feast of intellectual exchange and cultural collision.

Reflection on the English Corner Activity

This English corner activity merged traditional culture with foreign language learning, creating an immersive and diverse communication platform for teachers and students to promote cultural integration and cross-cultural understanding. Chinese students and foreign teachers discussed traditional culture, exploring its global spread and recognition. The combination of Hanfu culture and English communication enhanced students’ cross-cultural communication skills, deepened their understanding of traditional Chinese culture, broadened their international perspective, and bolstered their cultural confidence. Participants reported that the activity improved their English expression, helped them appreciate Chinese culture more deeply, and allowed them to make like-minded friends, yielding rich rewards.

During the event, QMES actively facilitated communication between students and teachers from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and inclusivity through teamwork. This initiative helped students demonstrate an open, confident attitude while respecting and embracing diverse cultures, enhancing their global competence. Looking ahead, QMES will continue to explore innovative cultural activities that integrate Chinese culture with international exchange, providing students with broader platforms for global interaction. This will expand their international perspectives and enhance their overall competence. Through this series of practices, QMES is committed to cultivating a new generation of young people with global competence, equipping them to face future challenges in learning and career development with an open mindset.

Text: Fan Qinya and Ding Jing

Photo: Wang Chunhao, Cheng Zhaohe, and Ding Jing

Editor: Wang Tongshu and Chen Xinyan

Translator: Shen Xinyi

Reviewer: Wang Yongxin