Foreign students from Shanghai Polytechnic University visit the Shanghai Confucian Temple on July 19. [Photo/study.edu.sh.gov.cn]

A group of foreign students from Shanghai Polytechnic University paid a visit to the Shanghai Confucian Temple to experience traditional Chinese culture on July 19.

Organized by the university's Office of Foreign Student Affairs, the visit was designed to enhance students' understanding of Chinese traditions through a variety of cultural experience activities.

The Shanghai Confucian Temple, with a history of more than 700 years, is a famous scenic spot in Huangpu district. It is the only temple to offer sacrifices to Chinese philosopher Confucius and the only sacred place of Confucianism in the urban area.

Built mainly using brick and wood, the scenic spot showcases the architectural culture of ancient China. Through its Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) style, many buildings reflect the superb skills of Chinese craftsmen in building restoration and reconstruction, which received recognition from the foreign students for the ingenuity of the Chinese ancients.

A grand fete to commemorate Confucius opened the day's activities. Traditional sacrificial links such as opening doors, burning incense candles and playing music immersed everyone in the traditional etiquette system.

Students also learned about the Six Arts (practical disciplines to promote all-around development in ancient Chinese culture) - rites, music, archery, chariot racing, calligraphy and mathematics - through small, fun games such as pitch-pot and cuju (Chinese football).

The Peking Opera brought the visit to an end. Colorful facial makeup, melodious singing and traditional Chinese stories combined to create a cultural feast that intoxicated everyone with the music of classical Chinese culture.

Dan Shi, a student from Kazakhstan, said: "Many thanks for organizing such a cultural expedition. I came to the university with the intention of learning Chinese language and culture and this activity helped me a lot."

Ou Jixiang, a student from Zimbabwe, said the activity aroused his interests in learning more about Chinese culture. "It is my first time visiting the Shanghai Confucian Temple and it gave me a new understanding of Chinese culture. In addition to professional study, I will also work hard to learn Chinese and attend more experience activities in the next three years of school life."

Students commemorate Chinese philosopher Confucius at the Shanghai Confucian Temple. [Photo/study.edu.sh.gov.cn]

Foreign students play a traditional Chinese game at the Shanghai Confucian Temple. [Photo/study.edu.sh.gov.cn]