Fifty international students take part in a special activity to learn more about traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/edu.sh.gov.cn]

Fifty international students from countries such as Russia and Ukraine have taken part in a special activity to learn about traditional Chinese culture, according to a local news report.

Organized by the China Scholarship Council, the activity which aims to promote cultural exchange offered students an opportunity to experience Chinese culture such as traditional Chinese medicine and tai chi martial arts.

The students, who are currently studying in Shanghai, spoke highly of the activity and said that it provided them with a platform to gain a better understanding of the development of the countryside following China's reform and opening-up in 1978.

Sery Adama Mounkoro, a student from Mali, said that the activity not only helped her make new friends but also enriched and transformed her understanding of Chinese art and culture through fresh and accessible content.

Narbek Tashpulatov from Uzbekistan, who showed great interest in Chinese calligraphy, said that he can feel the beauty of Chinese calligraphy even though he does not understand the meaning of the words.

International students take part in a special activity to learn about traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/edu.sh.gov.cn]

Students view Chinese ink wash paintings. [Photo/edu.sh.gov.cn]