China Correspondent: International faculty and students from Tongji and Sanming universities met for a dynamic Chinese Language Corner event, themed “Shared Future, Shared Fortune.” It aimed to deepen appreciation of Chinese culture, foster cross-cultural engagement, and promote exchange, friendship, and understanding through language and traditional arts.The theme of this Chinese language corner, “同舟共济, 福联世界” (Tóng zhōu gòng jì, fú lián shì jiè), held profound cultural significance. The Chinese character “Ji” (济) in the theme subtly referred to Tongji University, whose name embodies the spirit of “helping one another in difficult times” and working together for the common goal. Meanwhile, “Fu” (福) symbolized Fujian’s traditional culture of blessings, happiness, and good fortune. Together, the two characters expressed the idea that only through solidarity, cooperation, and mutual support can people from different countries and cultures build a shared future of friendship and prosperity.The event took place on Friday afternoon, May 29, at Sanming University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Space. International faculty members, students, and representatives from both universities attended. The Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages), and the School of Art and Design at Sanming University jointly organized it.The program opened with a bilingual session. The host outlined the theme and illustrated the auspicious symbolism of the character “Fú-福”, which represents happiness, blessings, and fortune in Chinese culture. The host highlighted the homophone link between the gourd (Húlu-葫芦) and “Fúlù-福禄” (fortune and prosperity), prompting students to repeat essential vocabulary. The cultural symbolism of Chinese lacquer art and fans was also presented, along with terminology for fan-making and gourd coloring. Basic crafting methods were demonstrated, and session guidelines were plainly stated.Through interactive activities, participants explored the cultural meanings behind traditional Chinese crafts like lacquer fans and gourds, which are intertwined with wishes for prosperity and harmony.In the hands-on workshop, Chinese and international students collaborated to design lacquer fans and decorate gourds featuring the character “Fú-福” and original artwork. Students from the School of Art and Design at Sanming University offered live demonstrations of traditional techniques, while participants exchanged ideas in a welcoming, cooperative environment.During the sharing and closing session, international participants shared their experiences. Hossain Mohammad Ashraf from Bangladesh, a student at Tongji University, said it was his first time visiting Sanming City and learning about the character ‘Fú-福’. He was impressed that one small character could hold so much positive meaning and felt a real connection to Chinese culture. He noted that activities like these build stronger friendships and deepen understanding among young people from different countries.Colia Marilisa, a student from Italy at Tongji University, shared her experience, noting that creating a lacquer fan and painting the ‘Fú-福’ character was especially meaningful. She explained that the process, from learning vocabulary to crafting by hand, deepened her understanding of Chinese traditions and that she would keep the fan as a special memory.Cheick Amadou Tidiane Ouattara, from Mali and a teacher at Sanming University, offered his perspective. He said, “As a teacher, I believe language learning extends beyond the classroom. Events like Chinese Corner enable international students and teachers to engage directly with culture. Cultural exchange activities are vital for fostering meaningful connections. The fusion of language, art, and friendship is impactful. Language is not just a tool for communication; it is a bridge for understanding traditions, values, and emotions of different cultures.”Dilnoza Safarova Dilshod Qizi, a student at Sanming University from Uzbekistan, described the activity as both educational and inspiring. She appreciated the idea of the gourd representing ‘Fúlù-福禄’ through its phonetic similarity. She mentioned that painting the gourd with her Chinese partner was enjoyable and that she learned many new Chinese words. She added that the event strengthened her interest in the Chinese language and culture and created memorable experiences with fellow international students and teachers.After the sharing session, the event concluded with participants exchanging mementos, taking group photographs, and expressing best wishes—capturing the spirit of friendship and cultural unity reflected by the theme “Shared Future, Shared Fortune”.Organizers said the Chinese Language Corner fosters intercultural dialogue and promotes mutual learning among international students and teachers in China.More than 50 teachers and students from countries such as Germany, China, Bangladesh, Portugal, Syria, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Japan, Liberia, France, Ecuador, Nigeria, Thailand, and Cambodia took part in the activity. Among them, 31 international students from 19 countries at Tongji University participated in the event during their study tour in Sanming City. This activity deepened cultural understanding and built stronger connections among international students and faculty from both universities, demonstrating the powerful role of hands-on creativity in fostering intercultural friendships.