Today we stared later, which was much appreciated. We breakfasted, and then headed to the Center for Research and Experience of Traditional Chinese Culture, where we spent an hour. We saw several examples of Chinese paper cutting and wood-block painting (where a picture is made through a process of pressing it against wood blocks that have been carved so that each one paints a different part of a picture). We also saw statues and paintings of figures from Chinese philosophical and religious history. One part of the center was is dedicated to the history and making of tea in China. There was also a music corner, where there were traditional Chinese instruments we were allowed to try. I tried some kind of horizontal stringed instrument, which was a lot of fun because it is so different from Western instruments. I couldn’t even decide whether it was in tune or not! (But I think it was.) There was some sheet music sitting there, but it was Chinese style sheet music, not Western, so I couldn’t understand it at all. We also saw and got to try an art collector’s stamp. After looking at everything, we got to try paper cutting, and had fun doing it.
After the Culture Center, we headed to class again from 10:00 to 13:00. Today we talked about traditional paper cutting, embroidery, and medicine. We learned all about the way traditional Chinese medicine is more about a person’s spiritual anatomy, and tries to maintain or regain a balance between the five elements (earth, water, fire, wood, gold) that make up a person. The main focus of traditional medicine in China is the flow of Chi through a person’s body. We also learned about the different types of embroidery and the history behind them. Much of Chinese embroidery looks like paintings and takes a long time to complete. Having already discussed much about paper cutting, we didn’t spend much time on it. The last thing we talked about was the history of kites in China. It was quite interesting.
After class ended, we returned to the hotel, ate lunch, and checked out. At 14:45 we boarded a bus for Jinan West Station, where we caught the 15:45 Beijing-Hangzhou express back to Suzhou North Station. I managed to get most of my homework done in the cafe car, which was packed. This train was so full because it was full of people returning to Hangzhou after a weekend sightseeing in Beijing. We arrived on time back in Suzhou at 19:11, and took a small bus back to the apartments. After we got back, we all worked on various homework that’s due this week.
This week, we only go through Wednesday because we have Easter break from Thursday through Monday. We’re going to visit Yellow Mountain (near Nanjing) on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
This week, we only go through Wednesday because we have Easter break from Thursday through Monday. We’re going to visit Yellow Mountain (near Nanjing) on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.