Chinese and International Youths Promote Kaifeng to the Whole World: I Am Waiting for You in Kaifeng, China

The international student Damir gave Kaifeng the thumbs-up Photo: Wang Qiyu

On October 16th, 9 international students and 1 Chinese student from Henan University visited Kaifeng Millennium City Park, Kaifeng Museum, the Small Song City and the Iron Tower, numerous landmark scenic spots in Kaifeng. They also watched the blooming chrysanthemums, appreciated the intangible cultural heritages, toured the garden and enjoyed the cuisines, presenting the charm of Kaifeng, a city of chrysanthemums. "I am waiting for you in Kaifeng, China."

Katia, the Kazakhstani student learning in China, praised the chrysanthemums in Kaifeng Photo: Wang Qiyu

Autumn is the golden season of a good harvest. In October, the chrysanthemums are in full bloom. Kaifeng Millennium City Park was covered by the golden flowers and took on a new look, showing a delightful contrast with the Chinese and international students wearing unique clothes dating back to the Song Dynasty. Right here, these young people watched the flowers whose beauty was more than words could describe and got to know more about the stories and culture about chrysanthemums in the past thousands of years. Katia, the Kazakhstani student learning in China said, "There are also chrysanthemums in Kazakhstan and their diameter can reach 20cm. But I have never seen such a great variety of chrysanthemums before. I love the chrysanthemums in Kaifeng and I love Kaifeng even more."

The Chinese student Zhang Yangzi (left) learned the folk art of New Year pictures in printing block Photo: Wang Qiyu

Zhang Yingzi, the Chinese student who learned the folk art of New Year pictures in printing block, was amazed by the delicate craftsmanship and made a New Year picture by herself. "The process of making the picture is interesting and meaningful. I get to know about the Chinese culture behind the work and I am amazed by how the craftsmen did their utmost for perfection."

Liu Chenggong, the Thai student learning in China, watched the nice scenery in Kaifeng Photo: Wang Qiyu

In Kaifeng Culture Hall, the youths talked with the Bian embroidery master Tian Zhongyan and learned about various kinds of needlework. They were impressed by the master’s skills. Liu Chenggong is a Thai student learning in China. After learning about the embroidery, she said, "Only after doing the real work by hand did I get to know the delicate craftsmanship of the Bian embroidery. Now I have a great sense of achievement."

The international student Carlos (left) tasted the juicy steamed buns of Kaifeng Photo: Wang Qiyu