Italian teachers and students explore traditional Zhejiang culture

Twelve teachers and students from the University of Verona in Italy recently visited Liangnong town, Yuyao city, Zhejiang province, to carry out research and exchange activities and experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

The group visited Liangnong's Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, gaining firsthand knowledge of Yuyao's intangible cultural heritage and the local cultural characteristics and customs.

Under the guidance of a master baker, they also experienced the process of making Liangnong Rice Cake, a traditional local specialty. Locals eat the pastry at celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year, weddings, housewarming parties and birthdays. It symbolizes the hope of having a good life.

"First, we sift the mixed rice flour into the rice cake frame, then use tools to make holes." The master baker carefully explained the steps of making Liangnong Rice Cake, including sifting flour, carving, adding fillings and stamping, while introducing its history and culture to the Italian teachers and students.

"Today's experience was fantastic. We learned how to make Liangnong Rice Cake, and I really enjoyed it. This is my first time in China, and I hope to have more opportunities to come to China in the future," said Giordano Giada, an Italian student.

Barbara Bisetto, the director of the Chinese Department of the School of Foreign Languages and Literatures at the University of Verona and a sinologist, expressed in fluent Chinese, "China has a long history and a rich and elegant culture. This time, I also experienced Chinese etiquette, customs and traditions and so on. So for me as a sinologist, it is a very memorable experience."

The visit was made possible with the help of Shao Hui, a cultural envoy from Hengkantou village in Liangnong. Shao is a teacher at the School of Humanities and Communication of Ningbo University and one of the first cultural envoys in Zhejiang.

"This summer camp is a joint initiative between Ningbo University and the University of Verona. By recommending them to visit Liangnong, we also hope to showcase our traditional culture and inject cultural strength into rural revitalization," Shao said.