A group of international students are immersing themselves in Huaiyang cuisine and Yixing clay teapot making through the 2025 Shanghai Summer School program on Chinese culinary culture and crafts.

The program, which opened on June 10, features hands-on training in one of China's eight major cuisines — Huaiyang cuisine — as well as traditional "zisha" (or purple clay) teapot craftsmanship.

Participants come from universities across seven countries, including Technological University Dublin, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, and the National University of Laos.

Over the three-week program, running from June 9 to June 30, 20 students will not only learn specialized cooking and ceramic techniques but also gain cultural and linguistic insights through lessons delivered by professional Chinese language teachers and volunteers.

Mallika Bhandary, a graduate student from Technological University Dublin, shared her excitement during the opening ceremony. As a longtime fan of Chinese cuisine, she said the immersive experience has deepened her appreciation for Chinese culture. She looks forward to exploring the art of Huaiyang cuisine and working alongside fellow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage behind Chinese food.

Source: edu.sh.gov.cn