To foster lasting cultural exchange and experience the allure of Chinese heritage, over 100 trainees consisting of international students from Zhejiang University of Technology and participants of the 2025 "Chinese Bridge" Competition gathered this summer to explore Chinese culture and global narratives.

On July 23, the fifth session of the Hangzhoufeel Training Program — Chinese Culture and Global Storytelling — was co-hosted by Hangzhou International Communication Center and International Office at Zhejiang University of Technology.

The Hangzhoufeel Training Program on Chinese Culture and Global Storytelling. [Photo/HZICC]

Blending tech with tradition: A glimpse into Chinese education

The training started at the university's Zhijiang College, where students explored how Chinese campuses integrate digital education. In the Fashion and Textile Laboratory, they admired student-designed garments blending modern aesthetics with traditional motifs. At the Industrial Internet College, VR experiences offered a glimpse into China's evolving education technologies, sparking excitement among the students.

International students explore how Chinese campuses integrate digital education. [Photo/HZICC]

Steeping in culture: Story behind Chinese tea

In a special lecture titled A Glimpse of Chinese Culture, lecturer Li Xiaobin, faculty member at the School of Foreign Languages of Zhijiang College of Zhejiang University of Technology, traced tea culture back to its origins.

She illustrated how the character "茶" evolved from "荼", symbolizing tea's rise from a simple plant to a cultural icon. Quoting The Classic of Tea, she explained the diverse names of tea in ancient China and also presented a vivid tea ceremony on site, mesmerizing the audience.

Li Xiaobin presents a traditional Chinese tea ceremony on site. [Photo/HZICC]

Guinea student Hawa Diallo expressed her love for Chinese tea culture, eager to experience it herself one day.

Documenting difference: A filmmaker's cultural lens

The training also featured a special guest lecture by Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso, a renowned Italian documentary filmmaker whose works have been shortlisted at numerous international film festivals. He shared his experiences of using documentaries to tell authentic Chinese stories and build bridges of cultural understanding.

Leonardo presented his documentary Doris & Hong, which follows the journey of a Chinese girl navigating life in Italy. Through vivid scenes, the film revealed the cultural contrasts between the two countries, from language and cuisine to social customs and traditions. Using this narrative as a starting point, Leonardo recounted his experiences filming documentaries across East Asia, offering students valuable insights into the art of cross-cultural storytelling.

Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso delivers a lecture to participants of the Hangzhoufeel Trianing Program. [Photo/HZICC]

During the Q&A session, students eagerly engaged with Leonardo, asking questions about his filmmaking process and his perspectives on cultural exchange. With humor and warmth, Leonardo provided thoughtful answers, sharing practical advice on how to conduct meaningful cross-cultural dialogues through media.

As part of the "Hangzhou, A Window to China's 5,000-Year Civilization" initiative, the Hangzhoufeel Training Program has invited experts from diverse fields to share global communication strategies. With fresh perspectives and real-world case studies, future sessions will further expand participants' international horizons and storytelling skills.