he Confucius Institute at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) organized professors and doctoral students from China and nine other countries to experience Chinese tie-dyeing techniques and AI photo technology with sage during a three-day trip in May to Huzhou, Zhejiang Province.

In Huzhou Silk Town, the doctoral students learned about the origin and development of silk, and saw the process of making silk from mulberry leaves to silk cotton. They also personally experienced the art of tie-dyeing and got their own creations.

In the "China in the Classics" exhibition hall, the students were impressed by AI technologies such as instantly dressing up in traditional Chinese costumes and taking photos with Chinese sages.

Iranian doctoral student Yan Su said, "I really like the Chinese way of telling stories. Every museum we went to this time has rich experiential activities."

The professors and doctoral students also came to Nanxun Ancient Town and visited this famous silk town to understand the relationship between the legendary Zhang Jingjiang and the development of Chinese history.

An Ni, a doctoral student from Egypt, was surprised at the different meanings embedded in different entrances of the Chinese architecture after visiting the Zhang family's mansion.

During this trip, they also learnt about how to make the Huzhou writing brush and came to the tea mountains of Anji, Zhejiang, where they studied the knowledge of white tea, including its picking and roasting techniques.

In addition to the activities, the doctoral students share their unique cultural characteristics and engage in discussions on cultural differences, which has not only strengthened the cohesion of the "New Sinology Program" team but also broadened their research perspectives and methodologies.