One hundred students from member universities of the German University Consortium for International Cooperations participating in the 2024 Shanghai Summer School (European Program) arrived at the International School of Tongji University in early September. They attended lectures on calligraphy, martial arts, and qigong, a Chinese system of physical exercises performed in a meditative state.

Under the guidance of renowned calligrapher Zhou Shizhang, the students used traditional Chinese brushes to write Tongji University's motto, "Tong Zhou Gong Ji" (同舟共济). Each participant produced excellent work despite it being the first time many had written Chinese characters with a brush. This experience allowed the students to appreciate the art of calligraphy and gain a deeper understanding of Tongji University's name.

In the martial arts lecture, the students enthusiastically followed Master Weng Junyan in practicing various fundamental stances of Chinese martial arts. Master Weng's demonstrations, as graceful as a dragon in flight, earned praise from the students.

Qigong was somewhat unfamiliar to the German students, but under the explanation and demonstration of Master Lin Xi, they quickly grasped the concept of qi and followed her in performing a complete set of health-promoting routines.

Source: International School of Tongji University