Recently, the evaluation of the traditional Chinese culture heritage base of the universities in Guangdong was published by the Guangdong Department of Education. UIC was the only university in Zhuhai selected for its “Lingnan ritual music”.

UIC not only pays attention to expanding the vision of its students through its international curriculum, but also regards the inheritance of Chinese culture as its mission, so as to build a heritage base of South China rites and music. The school has courses in court music, guqin, Chinese archery, and holds a capping ritual and appreciation ritual every year, so that students can develop an appreciation of traditional Chinese culture.

Outside of the coursework, the Whole Person Education Office also supports students to set up student associations such as the Traditional Art and Culture society, the Guqin society, the Taiji society, the Chinese Archery society, the South China Boxing society, the Yayue orchestra, the dragon and lion dance teams, etc.

Many of the traditional culture courses offered at UIC are rare in other universities. Let’s learn about some of the courses and activities that make UIC so special.

Court Music

         Yayue is one of the elective courses at UIC, and was established in 2018. Yayue refers to ancient palace or court music, including the music used in rituals, sacrifices, ceremonies, etc. It was created in the Western Zhou Dynasty to aid in the cultivation of moral character.

         A set of bronze musical instruments unearthed from a tomb in Guangzhou was copied and placed in the court music hall at UIC. In addition to the class, UIC has also established the only court music orchestra south of the Yangtze River. Not long ago, they had their first performance, attracting media attention for its reproduction of court music from 2000 years ago.

Guqin

         The guqin class was opened in 2014, and has since helped students to develop their understanding of oriental music and life aesthetics through the playing of guqin. Students who practice guqin also need to learn calligraphy and copy guqin music by hand.

Chinese Archery

         Since 2013, UIC has had a course in Chinese Archery, and created an archery range for it. Students in this class not only learn the basics of how to aim and shoot, but also cultivate the quiet, dedicated, resolute character necessary to exemplify the spirit of Chinese archery.

Capping Ritual

         “Rites” are a characteristic of Chinese culture. Rites serve as a set of rules for Chinese secular behaviour, and is present all throughout the life of traditional Chinese. The Capping Ritual is one of the most important rites in a ancient Chinese person’s life, and was usually held for someone when they were 20. UIC follows and innovates on these ancient rites to help improve students’ awareness of being adults and their social identity, and deepen their sense of responsibility to themselves, their families, and their country.

Appreciation Ritual

         In ancient China, there was a “rite of worship” to show the dignity of teachers, and encourage students to study well. During this ritual, students can enhance their sense of national identity, promote respect for their teachers and education in general, and experience the inheritance of Chinese culture through their actions.

         There are many courses related to traditional Chinese culture at UIC. In addition to the traditional Chinese culture education for students, UIC also works to spread Chinese culture and tell Chinese stories outside of the classroom. In 2016, UIC established the Chinese Culture Communication Research Institute, which is committed to the internal inheritance and external communication of Chinese culture, and actively carries out academic research to aid in this goal.

In 2017, the Chinese Academy of Culture and Communication officially opened

A Lecture in the Chinese Academy of Culture and Communication

(from MPRO)