China‑France Youth Exchange

Students in the French cities of Paris and Lyon recently got the chance to take part in traditional Chinese cultural and sports events hosted by East China Normal University.

The events were held from Thursday to Monday. On Thursday, students from five French middle schools experienced calligraphy(书法) and seal carving(篆刻) under the instruction of professors and students from China. It was the first time that they were provided in those French schools.

Tryston Beck, a 12-year-old middle school student from Lyon, was satisfied with his work in carving the Chinese character(文字) zhong, or middle. "The teachers from China told me what it meant. It was a very cool and fun experience," he said.

A friendly badminton match was held on Sunday between a team of students led by Wan Yihan, who came second at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and student athletes from Lyon.

"The match allowed Chinese and French youths to improve their competitive skills, friendship, and sow the seeds for future cooperation between the two sides," said a French officer.

To show Chinese kung fu and tai chi, teachers and students from the university also went to three schools in Lyon. Some local people had chances to experience it themselves.

"The movements in tai chi may be practiced very slowly, but they are very creative and artistic," another French officer said. "It's a lovely beginning. I believe such activities will help more French teenagers to improve their understanding of Chinese culture," he said.