Students from NingboTech University pose for a group photo in Tangxi town, Yinzhou district. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

More than 30 international students from NingboTech University walked into Tangxi town in Yinzhou district on the afternoon of Sept 23. Their footsteps traced the ancient rhythms of this town, uncovering Tangxi's unique grace and poetry hidden between landscapes and culture.

"This is the hometown of renowned scientist Tong Dizhou, known as the 'village of professors' and the 'village of longevity'." Guided by bilingual narrators, the students entered Tong village, visiting Tong Dizhou's former residence. Through displays and artifacts, Tangxi's profound cultural heritage came alive. Many paused before Tong Dizhou's statue, taking photos as if holding a quiet conversation across time.

Following the stone paths of the ancient village, the group arrived at Tongxiajia, praised as the "Shangri-La of Ningbo". Flowing streams, towering old trees, and traditional houses of eastern Zhejiang stood quietly amidst the valleys. With their cameras, the students captured the harmony of nature and village life, while treasuring its rustic charm in their hearts.

The true climax awaited atop the mist-wreathed peak — Holland. After the rain, the mountains were draped in a veil of haze, their deep green ridges serene and distant. A soft-hued villa stood quietly amid the embrace of the hills, like a hidden sanctuary untouched by time. As the diverse group of young visitors entered, exclamations filled the air, and cameras rose to capture smiles framed against the distant mountains.

Steaming trays of huizhituan (glutinous rice dumplings) and rice buns filled the long tables, releasing a sweet, comforting aroma. Students savored the chewy delicacies while listening to the stories behind these traditional treats. Scenery, food, and laughter blended into one, making this mountaintop afternoon especially warm. "I love the scenery here and the sticky, delicious food," said Ichou Saad from Morocco with delight. "I'm so happy to spend such a wonderful afternoon with my classmates."

Indoors, an intangible cultural heritage workshop awaited. Under the patient guidance of masters, students tried their hand at lacquered fans and stone rubbings. At the rubbing tables, carved stones bearing auspicious motifs were paired with sheets of fine paper. With eager concentration, the students tapped rhythmically, pressing the paper against the grooves. As crimson ink seeped into the fibers, the once-cold engravings seemed to come alive, brimming with vitality. That vivid red carried both the fiery spirit of the East and the passion of youth. Holding up her finished piece bearing the word shunsui (smooth and auspicious), Garpeh Rachel from Liberia smiled brightly and said, "I really loved today's experience — it gave me such a vivid sense of Chinese culture."

The lacquer fan workshop unfolded like a dance of colors. Students carefully placed their chosen fans' surfaces into the dye. Pigments blossomed on the water, flowing like drifting clouds or floating oil paintings. Some blended bold hues into blooms that resembled sunlit fields of flowers; others favored soft washes, evoking the ethereal grace of mountains and rivers. Each fan became a singular expression, carrying its creator's inspiration and emotion — living fragments of an unforgettable mountain afternoon.

A few African students enthusiastically began to play a drum in the corner. The lively rhythms intertwined with the vivid red of the rubbings and the flowing colors of the fans, composing a harmonious symphony that transcended cultures.

In every brush, every print, the students touched the subtle genius of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. And in the laughter and rhythms, they wove their own passion into this cultural encounter. Crimson ink and flowing colors became the most vivid footnotes of this cross-cultural exchange.