A few days ago, teenagers from Asian and European countries won high praise from judges for their creative herbal specimens at Xinghu School in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing.
In the Asia-Europe Youth Herbal Specimen Competition, teenagers were encouraged to collect herbs from nature, take one herb home to be planted and observed, and make creative specimens of the herbs they grow. The competition attracted legions of teenagers, who grasped the efficacy and growth characteristics of herbal medicines in the process of cultivating herbs and making specimens.
Chinese drama characters made of herbs
Chen Siyan, a Chongqing Renmin Primary School student, "drew" a dramatic character with 17 herbs. Most of these herbs were picked by her in the mountains. This work depicts a dramatic character made of herbs, combining traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese drama elements, hence the name "Quintessence of Chinese Culture."
A Chongqing Renmin Primary School student made quintessence of Chinese Culture. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Ariella Mayes and Livia Nemeth from Yew Chung International School of Chongqing made a "fire dragon" using four herbs. "We think the dragon is an essential part of Chinese culture." They said they learned a lot about herbal medicines during the competition.
Ariella Mayes and Livia Nemeth made a Chinese dragon from Yew Chung International School of Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
To deliver excellent works in this competition, the International Department of Bashu Secondary School organized 30 students from Asian and European countries to collect herbs and learn about their efficacy at the Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica.
Hu Wei, Deputy Director of the International Education Center of Bashu Secondary School, said that this competition offered an excellent opportunity for international students to learn about China and traditional Chinese medicine. It is hoped that by making herbal specimens, students will have a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture.
Student's work. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Hundreds of herbs growing on campus
In this competition, students from Xinghu School submitted more than 100 works, and the herbs used in them were picked from the school.
"Our school has a herb garden with hundreds of herbs," said Zhang Xianbin, Principal of Xinghu School. The garden was established last October under the guidance of the Chongqing Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation. All students in grade 3 and above are involved in the care of these herbs.
Xinghu School also offers courses in Chinese herbal medicine so that more than 1,900 students can learn about the growth habits of Chinese herbal medicine. "Through teaching, the traditional Chinese medicine culture is integrated into children's school life, which helps children grow better." Zhang Xianbin said.