Intl children, students appreciate charm of Tang poems

A poem recital and music event was held at the Chinese Culture Experience Center of the School of Chinese Studies at Xi'an International Studies University on June 24.

Over 50 international children and students from more than 10 countries, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Turkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, learned how to recite poems from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and appreciated the beauty of traditional Chinese culture, adding a special touch to their Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

The event aimed to promote cultural exchanges between China and other countries, and help disseminate traditional Chinese culture to broader and younger audience.

Children from various countries recite Tang poems on June 24. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The host of the event was the famous music education expert Guan Huidan. Accompanied by piano music, she treated over 50 international children and students to a fantastic music education experience in both Chinese and English.

The 25 children learned to recite the poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet Hu Lingneng. Reciting such a poem in Chinese is no mean feat, but after Guan explained the meaning of the poem, and the rhythm and beauty of the accompanying melody, the kids quickly became interested, and they followed Guan's lead and recited it together on stage.

The children also created personalized works of art using clay and paint, according to their understanding of the poem.

The activity undoubtedly proved quite a challenge for the international students. The selected Tang poems were by Bai Juyi and Li Bai. After explaining the Chinese connotations and English expressions of the two poems, Guan introduced the traditional Chinese pentatonic scale to them.

After the training, all of the groups were able to sing the poem in its entirety. Some even sang it in perfect tones. The piano sounds, poem recitals, laughter, and applause from the audience soon proved contagious, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere.