Chongqing – The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum has innovatively launched a guqin (ancient Chinese zither) cultural experience course on March 21, targeting international students in the city to promote traditional Chinese culture. So far, 11 students from Vietnam, Pakistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Thailand, and other countries have participated in the program.  

Deng Feifei, the guqin instructor, introduced, "We combine theory, such as the instrument's history and cultural significance, with hands-on practice, like basic techniques and simple melodies. Since our students are international, we try to make it easier for them to understand. "

Bui Phuong Trang, a Vietnamese student at Chongqing University, shared, "As the ancient Chinese saying goes, 'A cultured person should master the qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.' Before, I only associated Chinese culture with festivals like the Spring Festival. Now, I see its depth through art forms like the guqin. This has inspired me to explore other traditional instruments."

She added, "I film each class to show my Vietnamese friends how magnificent the guqin is. I hope more foreigners in Chongqing can experience it—and maybe become cultural bridges, like I aim to be for China and Vietnam." 

Usman Muhammad from Pakistan described the meditative quality of playing, "The guqin brings me calm—it's like becoming flowing water. The fingerings (zhifa), like tiao and gou, are complex, but I enjoy the challenge. When I return home, I'll keep practicing to share what I've learned in China."

The course was a revelation for Iraqi student Sahar Khudhair, "I had no musical background and thought it would be difficult. My fingers still struggle, but the process is rewarding. China's dedication to preserving traditions inspires me. In Iraq, war disrupted our cultural heritage—this experience motivates me to safeguard my own." 

(Zhang Yu and Wang Shuyun, as interns, also contributed to the report)