Spanish students visit Malta for cultural feast

VALLETTA — A group of Chinese language students from Spain had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a range of Chinese cultural experiences in Malta this week.

At the Confucius Institute of the University of Malta on Dec 2, the students from the Murcia branch of the Official School of Languages were fascinated by traditional Chinese flute performances, and a demonstration of the art of Chinese teamaking.

Each member of the group was photographed trying on Hanfu, a form of traditional Chinese attire and despite their age differences, they all proved their dexterity at traditional Chinese crafts such as paper-cutting and knot-weaving.

Maria Nieves Calatayud Castellanos expressed her passion for Chinese culture, after two years of learning the language. "Despite the challenges, Chinese characters are truly beautiful," she says.

On Sunday, the group visited the Mediterranean Regional Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Paola, Malta.

Under the guidance of a doctor from the 19th Chinese medical team in Malta, they practiced tai chi and Ba Duan Jin, a set of exercises whose name translates as "eight steps to healthy living". A brief lecture on TCM introduced them to treatments like acupuncture and cupping, and some of the students had the opportunity to personally experience a treatment.

Javier Monerri Alguazas says that TCM provides people with a way of better understanding Chinese culture, as it is a crystallization of the country's wisdom.

Feng Hua, leader of the Chinese medical team, says that the TCM center is planning to host more students from Malta and other countries, providing opportunities for those interested in TCM and Chinese culture to engage in cultural exchange, and gain insights into Chinese medical practice.

During their visit to the China Cultural Center in Valletta on Monday, the students were drawn to the traditional Chinese lanterns hanging in front of the entrance, and also to the exquisite tea sets on display in the main hall.

Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, highlights the importance of cultural exchange and interaction in enhancing friendship between nations.

Du Yan, the teacher from the Murcia branch of the Official School of Languages, says that Malta interacts extensively with Chinese culture and the purpose of the exchange is to deepen the students' understanding of China's history and culture.