🎨 High schoolers in Washington, D.C., traded textbooks for clay pandas and calligraphy brushes last week during a vibrant cultural exchange event! Dozens of Maryland students immersed themselves in traditional Chinese arts at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, blending laughter with learning.
Under instructor guidance, they molded clay pandas 🐼 (the unofficial mascot of cross-cultural cuteness), tied intricate Chinese knots, and practiced ink rubbings resembling ancient scrolls. The pièce de résistance? Trying on flowing hanfu robes and striking poses like social media-ready time travelers! 📸
"I never thought making a panda could teach me so much about patience and creativity," said Kinsey Albin, a senior whose four-year Chinese studies journey began with a friend’s recommendation. Meanwhile, artist Zhang Longze emphasized the event’s mission: "It’s not just crafts—it’s about building bridges." 🌉
For Lily Jiang, whose family trips to China deepened her connection, the night was a celebration of shared humanity. "The culture feels like home," she smiled, adjusting her silk sleeve.
Leonardtown High’s lead Chinese teacher Chen Si beamed as students debated which craft to try next. "When they engage hands-on, stereotypes fade," she noted. Many students—like Drake and Evan, already planning future China trips—left with more than souvenirs: they carried new perspectives. ✈️
