On April 22, COHD’s 29 international students from nine countries including Pakistan, Tanzania and Ethiopia along the route of “Belt and Road” went to Qingshen County of Sichuan Province - “Town of Chinese Bamboo Weaving Art” for investigations concerning rural mutual cooperation, diversified industrialization and other topics. In addition to understanding the diversification results themed with left-behind population of the county, i.e., rural mutual cooperation and women’s participation in governance, this activity aimed to strengthen the academic exchange among countries along the route in terms of such topics as rural and agricultural development, agrarian changes, etc., and offer the international experience in implementing rural revitalization strategy more effectively and scaling up beautiful villages. Associate Professor Wang Yanlei from the Development Studies of our school and some Assistant Administrators of overseas students also took part in the activity.

On that day, international students visited Anjiaba Village, Hebazi Town, Qingshen County, Meishan City, where the bamboo weaving contest of “Rural Sisters Workshop” happened to take place. The contest was organized by the county women’s federation and the rural promotion organization for cooperative development of women and children. Students were astonished at the three-dimensional lanterns weaved by bamboo weaving craftsmen. They immediately decided to learn weaving skills from local women. 

“My teacher said my bambooware is wonderful!” With the help of Huang Guiru and other bamboo weaving craftsmen, Ashraf Usman, a Ph.D. overseas student from Pakistan, completed her work, for which she felt quite delighted and proud. “These college students are so clever that they have mastered simple weaving skills and procedures quickly!” Huang Guiru, Guo Xuebin and other villagers heaped praise on the learning ability of our students.

According to Wang Hong, Party Branch Secretary of Anjiaba Village, Huang Guiru and his spouse have engaged in three-dimensional bamboo weaving, which brings RMB3,000 approximately for their family each month. They can make profits out of production while taking care of their grandson. At present, the village has cultivated 26 bamboo weaving craftsmen, including two disabled craftsmen.

Qingshen County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province boasts a time-honored history of development of bamboo industry across the world. Reputed as the “Town of Chinese Bamboo Weaving Art” and “International City of Bamboo Weaving”, Qingshen County witnessed the 9^th China Bamboo Cultural Festival and 2018 International (Meishan) Bamboo Industry Fair. This survey activity promoted students to deepen their understanding to local cultures and their communication with villagers. Bamboo weaving activity helped establish closer ties among people with different languages and cultural background. Similarly, it is also the most direct way to understand the production and livelihood of local farmers. It was believed that this practical activity would be the wonderful and unforgettable experience of these students during their study in China.