Chinese and expats hold their calligraphic works during a calligraphy event organized by the Pingshan Subdistrict International Block on Dec. 8, 2024. Photos courtesy of the organizer

The Pingshan Subdistrict International Block is committed to promoting cultural exchange between Chinese and expat residents. It regularly hosts events such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, traditional Chinese painting, outdoor sports, and potlucks, fostering an appreciation of traditions, customs, and health.

The UNESCO has inscribed the Spring Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Recently, the Pingshan Subdistrict International Block organized two events to celebrate this cultural heritage by bringing together locals and expats, fostering community bonds and showcasing Pingshan’s vibrant cultural landscape.

On Dec. 8, 2024, 20 Chinese and expat calligraphy enthusiasts gathered for an event which featured lessons on the techniques, history, and cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy and Spring Festival couplets. The expats exhibited great enthusiasm for the traditional “four treasures of the study,” namely brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as they wrote on red couplets. They attentively learned how to hold the brush and imitated the instructor’s movements, feeling the rhythm of each brushstroke and experiencing the unique charm of Chinese calligraphy.

Expats attentively write Chinese characters using brushes during the Dec. 8 event.

Yuri Shenshinov from Russia, an associate professor at Shenzhen Technology University’s Business School, shared that it was his first time writing Chinese characters with a brush. “It’s fresh and fun. This event has given me a new understanding of Chinese culture. Pingshan Subdistrict offers diverse services and activities for residents, and I really like it here,” he said.

Christine Bubeck from Brazil attended the event with her husband, Felipe Vieira Setlik. She told Shenzhen Daily that it was her second time writing Chinese characters with a brush and expressed her desire to practice more to improve her skills. “It’s a relaxing activity, and it feels good when you start to understand how to hold the brush and create better strokes. We will keep our works to compare with future pieces and track our progress,” she said.

Christine Bubeck (R) and Felipe Vieira Setlik hold their calligraphic works at the Dec. 8 event.

The couple later joined another event organized by the Pingshan Subdistrict International Block on Jan. 16. This time, they and other Chinese residents and expats crafted traditional Chinese paintings together to usher in the upcoming Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan. 29.

At the event, Chinese painting enthusiast Cao Hailiang introduced attendees to the history, characteristics, and genres of traditional Chinese painting. This allowed participants to appreciate the unique charm and profound cultural significance of this art form. Following the introduction, the participants picked up brushes, dipped them in ink, and created their own artworks themed around the Year of the Snake on rice paper, with Cao’s guidance.

Christine Bubeck (L) and Felipe Vieira Setlik (R) hold their paintings in a photo with Chinese painting enthusiast Cao Hailiang at the Jan. 16 event.

Chinese and expats paint snakes at the Jan. 16 event organized by Pingshan Subdistrict International Block.

During a sharing session, the participants displayed their paintings and exchanged creative ideas and insights. The event not only facilitated the exchange of Chinese and foreign cultures but also contributed a unique artistic energy to the growth of the international community.

For some expats from Italy, Brazil, and Pakistan, this event marked their first experience with traditional Chinese painting. Brazilian couple Bubeck and Setlik shared that it would be their first time celebrating the Chinese New Year in Pingshan District and they learned a lot about the Chinese zodiac snake through this painting event. “We wish everyone a happy Chinese New Year!” they exclaimed.

Nash from Pakistan holds his paintings of a snake and plum blossoms at the Jan. 16 event.