As more Chinese students pursue their dreams abroad, many are becoming cultural ambassadors for their home country in unexpected ways.
In Saint Petersburg, Russia, three young artists are not only perfecting their craft but also bringing Chinese traditions to the global stage -- from the mesmerizing art of Sichuan Opera face-changing to the powerful resonance of bel canto, they are fostering cultural exchange through music and community.
In Saint Petersburg's Chinese student community, Long Junhao stands out. He has introduced the intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan Opera face-changing to Russian campuses and stages, sharing its unique charm with locals.
For the past two years, Long has transformed a childhood passion into a lifelong pursuit of art.
Long explained that learning Sichuan Opera face-changing is about more than just an artistic expression. The rapid, precise movements of the masks capture the essence of Chinese culture, making it a distinctive and powerful way to share this heritage with the world.
"In the future, I plan to actively participate in more cultural exchange activities. I also plan to try teaching in the market, offering basic lessons to foreign friends, children, or those deeply interested in Chinese culture, with the goal of promoting traditional Chinese culture and spreading China's intangible cultural heritage," said Long, a student in the Department of Sociology at Saint Petersburg State University.
Meanwhile, baritone Fu Junjian, a Chinese Ph.D student at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, is also building cultural bridges between China and Russia through the power of vocal arts.
After arriving in Russia, he was captivated by the city's architecture and dynamic cultural atmosphere.
Last year, Fu performed at a concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations.
"At that moment, I thought to myself, 'I must do my best and show the best side of myself.' However, once I stepped onto the stage, the pride of representing my country filled me with strength, allowing me to express exactly what I wanted to convey," said Fu.
Born in Saint Petersburg, pianist Chen Ziyi plays a key role in fostering China-Russia youth exchange.
She founded the Russia-China Youth Artists Association, connecting young creatives through concerts, exhibitions, and competitions.
"Through this platform, we aim to build connections between young people from both countries to strengthen the friendship between China and Russia," said Chen Ziyi, president of the Russia-China Youth Artists Association in Saint Petersburg.
Chinese international students in Saint Petersburg play active role as cultural ambassadors
Chinese international students in Saint Petersburg play active role as cultural ambassadors
