On May 18, 2024, 51 international students from diverse countries studying at Hainan Normal University, visited the Pottery Workshop in Baotu Village, Changjiang Li autonomous county, South China's Hainan province.

Through guided tours and hands-on experiences, they gained an up-close appreciation of the unique charm of Li ethnic pottery — an intangible cultural heritage of China. The visit offered them a deep insight into the richness of Chinese intangible cultural heritage and fostered cross-cultural exchange while promoting the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

International students admire Li pottery artworks. [Photo/Hainan Normal University]

At the Baotu Pottery Workshop in Shilu Town, international students, guided by staff members, toured the Li Pottery Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall and the pottery studio. They listened to explanations about the history and legends of Li pottery, as well as the techniques of molding and firing. Many students captured the beauty of Li pottery with their phones. Later, under the guidance of skilled artisans, the students experienced the pottery-making process firsthand — kneading, coiling, trimming — and crafted their own Li pottery "souvenirs."

International students experience pottery making. [Photo/Hainan Normal University]

Vendy, an international student from Madagascar, said: "In Changjiang, I truly felt the charm of Li ethnic culture. Today, I learned how to make Li pottery and found it very interesting and full of history. I really want to share the culture of Li pottery with people in my own country and help more people learn about Li culture. I hope I can come back again someday."

Bonu, another student from Turkmenistan, said: "I really like Chinese culture. Today, I saw Li pottery from the Li ethnic group and I really enjoyed it. I had a great time. I've already shared with my family and friends in Turkmenistan the places we visited, and they've seen the photos of us playing and the Li pottery we made."

During the event, international students also experienced the traditional Li ethnic dance — the bamboo pole dance — immersing themselves in the unique cultural charm of Changjiang, further enhancing their understanding and love for Chinese culture.

A Russian student at Hainan Normal University said: "It left a deep impression on us. Changjiang is very interesting and beautiful. I hope to participate in more activities like this so that we can learn from each other's history and culture."

In recent years, Changjiang has strengthened the innovation of intangible cultural heritage products, integrating the Li pottery industry with tourism. It has introduced projects such as pottery exhibitions, pottery demonstrations, pottery-making experiences, and ethnic song and dance performances, creating an integrated model of "industry, education, research, and tourism." The Baotu Pottery Workshop has become a new landmark for cultural tourism in Changjiang.

Wu Chun, Deputy Party Secretary of the College of International Education at Hainan Normal University, said: "We want them to experience the traditional Li ethnic culture of Hainan, spread these excellent traditions to their hometowns, and tell the story of Hainan and the story of China."

studychina.chinadaily.com.cn contributed to the story.