On the afternoon of September 17, Bilkent University in Turkey hosted a distinctive Chinese culture workshop. The Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University was invited to take part, with our teacher Ms.Yuan Peiyun presenting a tea culture demonstration and interactive activities, offering students and faculty a rich and engaging cultural exchange experience.

The event began with Bilkent University faculty teacher Ms.Huang Shihuai (Duygu Sarıkaya İrim) introducing students to the Chinese zodiac. Through folk stories, she explained the origins and symbolic meanings of the twelve animals, and invited students to share their own zodiac signs, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere. She then guided the audience through an entertaining oracle bone script guessing game, giving students a chance to explore the origins and evolution of Chinese characters. By practicing calligraphy themselves, students gained a deeper appreciation for the historical depth and unique beauty of Chinese writing.

Following this, Ms. Yuan Peiyun delivered a session on Chinese tea culture. She introduced the history of tea, the characteristics of different tea types, and the variety and use of teaware, combining explanation with hands-on demonstration. During the tea art performance, she showcased the process of brewing, appreciating, and tasting tea. Students were captivated by the fragrance and elegance of tea art, and under her guidance, they also tried making tea themselves, experiencing the tranquility and harmony embodied in Chinese tea appreciation.

A highlight of the free exchange session came when several students enthusiastically explained the meanings of their Turkish names and asked Ms. Yuan to give them authentic Chinese names. Their delighted smiles upon receiving unique and meaningful names became one of the warmest moments of the day.

Through its focus on zodiac culture, Chinese characters, and tea traditions, the workshop offered Bilkent University students an immersive experience of Chinese culture. It also further strengthened exchanges and friendship between the Confucius Institute at METU and Bilkent University, deepening mutual understanding and cultural dialogue.