On the afternoon of October 14th, the central courtyard garden of the International Department at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts (CCAA) was filled with a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the "Shuxiang Chengdu Wide & Narrow Lane" Sino-Foreign Youth Reading Event was successfully held. Under the theme "Swan Geese Return to Warm Autumn, Poetry Bridges Mountains and Seas," the event attracted over 30 teachers and students from various colleges across the university. Together, they opened a poetic dialogue transcending language and culture, embraced by the serene spirit of the autumn season.
At the event, international students from different countries shared their favorite poetic works in a variety of styles. The selections ranged from modern poems reflecting contemporary life, to well-known classical Chinese verses that carry the depth of traditional culture, to carefully translated masterpieces from other languages. This diverse array fully demonstrated the richness and inclusiveness of poetic culture.
Nguyen Tuan Anh: To the Oak Tree – A Journey from Beginner to Eloquent Speaker
When Nguyen Tuan Anh, an undergraduate from the Class of 2023, first arrived in Chengdu two years ago, he could only manage basic conversations in Chinese. Yet just two years later, he stood confidently on the stage of the reading event and recited Shu Ting’s classic poem To the Oak Tree entirely from memory. His accurate pronunciation and heartfelt delivery not only earned warm applause but also showcased his remarkable progress. He shared that he was deeply moved by the poem's vision of an equal and independent relationship—a view that resonated strongly with his own values. From a beginner in Chinese to a student who can now fluently recite poetry and skillfully use idioms, Nguyen Tuan Anh offered, through his moving performance, a powerful testament to his two-year journey of learning.
Nguyen Dieu Linh: Comrade – A Cross-Cultural Bond in Poetry
Nguyen Dieu Linh, also from Vietnam, demonstrated her profound Chinese language skills through an impressive literary translation. She personally translated Comrade, a celebrated poem by Vietnamese poet Chính Hữu, into Chinese. Her rendition is not only accurate and vivid, but also beautifully captures the original’s most touching details—"rifle by rifle, head beside head" and "sharing one blanket"—depicting a revolutionary bond forged through hardship, transcending background and origin.
This outstanding translation not only allowed Chinese audience to appreciate the beauty of Vietnamese poetry, but also created a striking, timeless echo with the ancient Chinese classic Without Clothes from the Book of Songs, which speaks of “sharing the same gown.” Through her work, Nguyen Dieu Linh has vividly displayed her remarkable mastery of Chinese and deep literary sensitivity as an international student.
Zhou Xirui: Penglai – A Mythical Realm Reborn from Japanese to Chinese
Zhou Xirui from the School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering presented a feast of literature and voice. With solid literary competence, he personally translated Penglai, a work by Japanese poet Kineya Rokusaburō. During his live recitation, his elegant wording and delicate emotional delivery complemented each other perfectly, instantly transporting the audience to the ethereal "Penglai Immortal Realm." This complete presentation—from translation to performance—not only showcased his exceptional Chinese proficiency and artistic sensibility but also added a unique and refined brilliance to the stage.
Wang Yibo: Nocturnal Journey – An Original Poem's Philosophical Reflection
Wang Yibo from Stirling College of Chengdu University captivated the audience with his original poem Nocturnal Journey, showcasing the remarkable literary talent among our students. The poem is skillfully structured into four stanzas, where the poet weaves a tapestry of vivid and imaginative imagery to paint the unique landscape of the night, infused with his own profound philosophical contemplations. Both evocative and thought-provoking, the piece not only guided listeners on an immersive "nocturnal journey" but also highlighted the outstanding potential of our students in the field of literary creation.
In addition to the wonderful presentations by students, faculty members from the International Department also took to the stage with their own selected poems. Their sincere emotions and nuanced interpretations added a distinctive charm to this poetic gathering.
Over an hour, twenty poems of diverse styles were shared—each like a vivid lantern in a literary "carousel of life," guiding teachers and students alike through a spectrum of emotions and cultural reflections. From Chinese to foreign languages, from timeless classics to original works, every recitation served as a bridge for cultural exchange. Through this immersive experience, both Chinese and international participants deepened their understanding and appreciation of one another's cultures.
The "Wide & Narrow Book Lane" Sino-Foreign Reading Series is an important initiative launched by the International Department in support of the university's "Shuxiang Chengdu" campaign. Through various engaging and enjoyable reading activities, the program aims to enrich international students' Chinese learning experience while building a bridge for cultural exchange between Chinese and international students. In the future, the International Department will continue to develop this signature event series by diversifying its formats and content, further fostering a vibrant campus reading culture and contributing to a more inclusive, multicultural academic community.
