US students enjoy night of Chinese culture and craft

Dozens of high school students gathered at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., on Nov 6 to participate in a “Touch of China in Chinatown” event, gaining hands-on experience with traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

The event was part of the ongoing “Touch of China in Chinatown” series, organized by Hope Chinese School, American Chinese School, and Howard Chinese School, and co-organized by the Chinatown Community Cultural Center.

Students from Leonardtown High School in St. Mary’s County, Maryland—all enrolled in the school’s Chinese language program—filled the room with lively chatter and laughter as they crafted clay pandas under the guidance of an instructor.

After the panda-making session, the students explored different cultural stations featuring Chinese knot-making, calligraphy, and ink rubbings. 

Some even tried on traditional Chinese costumes, posing for photos and admiring each other’s outfits.

Kinsey Albin, a senior who has studied Chinese for four years, proudly showed off her handmade panda.Albin said her interest in the language began when a friend recommended the class, and over time it grew into a passion for cultural exchange.

Zhang Longze, an artist and activity instructor for the event, said the series aims to “help teenagers understand China better and strengthen the bridge of friendship.”

Two other Leonardtown students, Drake Hozier and Evan Dearden, both in their second year of Chinese studies, said they were drawn to the language for different reasons, and both expressed a strong desire to visit China one day.

For student Lily Jiang, who has studied Chinese for nine years, the connection is deeply personal. Having traveled to China with her family, she said she loves the culture and the people.

Chen Si, Leonardtown High’s lead Chinese teacher, said she enjoyed watching her students immerse themselves in the activities.

Now in her eighth year at the school, Chen said her greatest joy is seeing students grow from middle school through graduation, maintaining their enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture. 

She added that cultural events and school trips to China help students build genuine understanding.

“Because they’re exposed to Chinese culture from a young age, they learn to see China for themselves,” Chen said. “They become more open-minded and understanding of cultural differences.”

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