Chongqing — On December 17th, a group of Bangladeshi international students from Chongqing University of Technology immersed themselves in the charm of Fengsheng Ancient Town. The tour, part of the 2024 "Laowai@Chongqing" program, showcased the town's cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. 

The students are visiting the Fengsheng Ancient Town (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

The students, led by local guides, explored centuries-old brewing techniques that define the region's famed Jiaolixiang liquor. The air was rich with the aroma of fermented grains as the overseas guests observed and participated in the intricate process - from steaming and cooling the grains to adding yeast, fermenting, and distilling. The centuries-old craft remains a celebrated intangible cultural heritage of Banan District.

"This is my first time making liquor - an unforgettable experience!" said student Alfi Shariar. "The aroma and taste are wonderful. I’ll take some home for my family to try."

The students are learning Lianxiao Song and Dance (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

The journey continued with a captivating performance of Lianxiao Song and Dance, another treasured tradition with roots in the region's ancient culture. Skilled performers wielded bamboo percussion instruments to create a rhythmic and melodic spectacle, encouraging the students to join the dance. The art form, with origins in the Song Dynasty, embodies the cultural essence of the Three Gorges region and preserves the legacy of Chongqing folk dance.

Students tried making Spiced Broad Beans at a local shop, a craft passed down since the late Ming Dynasty. Under the guidance of local artisans, the visitors completed the final step - coating the beans in a crisp sugar shell. The result was a treat that gleamed with color and released a satisfying crunch.

The students are cooking Spiced Broad Beans (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

The event concluded with great cultural learning for the participants. "I'm really happy that this experience brought us closer to China's culture and history," said student Shakil. "It makes me feel as if I lived in the Song Dynasty."