On the afternoon of April 9th, the auditorium at Merchiston International School (MIS) in Shenzhen was filled with the rich atmosphere of traditional Chinese culture. The inaugural campus showcase of the 2025 “Voices of Young China” series, co-hosted by the Ethnic and Folk Literature and Art Development Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Shenzhen News Network, was successfully held at MIS. Students of various nationalities took to the stage to share their perspectives on “Remarkable Chinese Wisdom,” breathing new life into traditional intangible cultural heritage through eloquent English speeches.
Rows of red lanterns, intricately cut paper decorations, and hand-painted folding fans featuring Beijing opera masks adorned the hall, creating an immersive cultural environment for the upcoming performances.
Dressed in traditional Hanfu attire, wearing ornamental hairpieces and holding bamboo scrolls or symbolic accessories, MIS students confidently took the stage. In fluent English, they conveyed the depth and brilliance of Chinese culture: interpreting Su Dongpo’s “embracing life as it comes” philosophy through the story of Dongpo pork; exploring the harmony with nature embedded in Chinese culinary traditions; admiring the architectural genius behind mortise and tenon joints and mythical beasts of the Forbidden City. From the secrets of the Lu Ban Lock to the dazzling murals of Dunhuang, from the craftsmanship of oil-paper umbrellas and miniature ivory carvings to the natural elegance of China’s Four Great Embroideries—these young speakers unveiled the intricate fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and the enduring spirit of Chinese artisanship. They spoke vividly of the Silk Road, the legend of the Nian monster, and the ancient sport of Cuju, captivating the judges and audience alike.
Headmaster Benjamin Webster shared, “It’s wonderful to see our students explain Chinese culture so clearly and fluently in English. Through preparing for their speeches, they not only deepened their understanding of traditional culture, but also gave me new insights into Chinese cuisine and paper cutting.”
“This is an incredibly creative event,” noted Ms. Cai Xingna, Head of Middle School Academics and Director of the Chinese Department. “Throughout their preparation and performance, students not only gained a deeper appreciation of traditional culture, but also significantly improved their English communication skills. At MIS, our Chinese curriculum caters to all students, emphasizing both cultural heritage and personalized learning. We value the transmission of traditional Chinese culture and support this through initiatives such as our on-campus Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Museum and hands-on experiences like tie-dye workshops.”
The ICH Museum at MIS integrates science education, exhibition, and teaching. It showcases 15 ICH projects recognized at various administrative levels, including the nationally recognized Dashuankeng Lion Dance and city-level projects such as Mai Jin Painting and traditional rosewood furniture craftsmanship. The school has also established an ICH Masters Workshop, offering weekly courses where students and faculty learn directly from masters of traditional crafts—such as Mai Jin Painting, paper cutting, Lu Ban Locks, and lion dancing—through experiential learning.
Whether in classroom activities, cultural experiences, or research-based learning, MIS seamlessly weaves ICH into student life, helping them grow amidst the richness of traditional Chinese culture and fostering a deeper appreciation for its unique artistic charm.
For Daniel Izzan and Sydney Cui, two students in Grade 9, being named “Cultural Heritage Youth Ambassadors” represents more than a title—it is a bridge of communication between cultures. “It helps us better understand both our own culture and others’, and share that knowledge with the world to promote global cultural exchange.”
Now in its tenth year, “Voices of Young China” presents a new traditional culture theme each season, encouraging bilingual public speaking and empowering youth to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture.
More campus showcases of “Voices of Young China” will be held in schools across Shenzhen in the coming weeks.
