Experience China: CDUT’s International Students Visit the San Su Shrine Museum

To appreciate Chinese culture and savor the legacy of Su Dongpo, international students at Chengdu University of Technology (CDUT), led by the teachers from the Department of International Exchanges & Cooperation (DIEC), visited Meishan San Su Shrine Museum on June 5, where they immersed themselves in the stories of the Su family, fathomed their family values and rules of conduct, and experienced the essence of Chinese culture.

Teachers from DIEC toured the students around a number of ancient buildings, including the Statues of Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe, Qixian Tang (Sage Hall), Baipo Pavilion, and Laifeng Pavilion. Amidst the unique traditional and classical gardens, they fared forth on a mesmerizing cultural journey in the San Su Shrine. They learned about the virtuous conduct of Su Xun, Su Shi and Su Zhe, as well as the principles the Sus had followed throughout their lifetimes, such as integrity and righteousness. They also appreciated the stone inscriptions and poetic verses written by Su Shi, gaining insights into the Sus’ family traditions: “Dedicate yourself to scholarship and erudition, adhere to filial piety, benevolence and love, and never gain profits by mean ways.”

The three literati were from the same family, whose traditions have been carried on for generations. The Sus’ upbringing is deeply rooted in Chinese traditional culture, guiding the nation’s cultural practice simultaneously. CDUT’s international students perceived the profound historical heritage of Chinese culture through this activity, which broadened the cultural experiences for international students at CDUT.