Ten international students visiting China visit and study at the Zhang Zhenfu Ceramic Clay Sculpture Art Museum

‌On the morning of April 3rd, international students from 10 countries, including Zimbabwe, Gabon, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and others, led by the International Cooperation and Exchange Office of Zhoukou Normal University and teachers from the School of Literature, came to the Zhang Zhenfu Ceramic Clay Sculpture Art Museum in Dancheng to learn how to craft provincial-level intangible cultural heritage Dancheng clay sculptures.

Teacher Zhang Zhenfu explained to them the origin of Chinese clay sculpture and the regional characteristics of Dancheng clay sculpture. International students listened attentively to the explanation and felt the unique cultural charm of Dancheng clay sculpture. Teacher Zhang Zhenfu first led everyone into the first exhibition hall - the original ecological clay sculpture exhibition hall, showcasing 200 clay sculptures such as Zhang Zhenfu's "Lost Handkerchief", "Farmyard", and "Playing Top". International students are picking up their phones to take photos of Teacher Zhang Zhenfu's latest work "Celebrating the Year of Yu". Then, Zhang Zhenfu led everyone into the second exhibition hall: the Dan Porcelain Clay Sculpture Exhibition Hall. Zhang Zhenfu created over 300 Dan Porcelain Clay Sculptures, including "Under the Persimmon Tree" and "Mother Child Love", which were the world's first. The clay figurines were dressed in gorgeous clothes, and the natural colors revealed by the kiln transformation were rich and heavy, which amazed international students. Next, at the invitation of international students, Zhang Zhenfu sculpted a portrait of Gao Shuai, an international student from Zimbabwe. Zhang rolled up his sleeves and spent 20 minutes using 6 kilograms of Yellow River mud to magically sculpt Gao Shuai's portrait. The international students thumbed up and praised him, "Teacher Zhang is amazing, the sculpture is so realistic."

This visit, learning and practical activity not only allowed international students to better understand the cultural characteristics of Yudong clay sculpture, but also promoted cultural integration between different countries. Providing more opportunities for international students to experience traditional Chinese culture has promoted mutual learning and tolerance among different cultures.

Through this event, international students not only experienced the regional culture of Zhoukou in eastern Henan, but also witnessed the prosperous scene of rural revitalization in China today.