International students practice the dynamic moves of Jinan Hongquan martial arts. [Photo/WeChat account: jnlxqwlj]

On May 23, more than 10 international students from Ukraine, Kenya, Morocco, and Vietnam gathered at the historic Baihuazhou Youth Home in Jinan's Lixia district for a special cultural event. Organized by the Youth League Committee of Lixia and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, the ''International Friends of Intangible Heritage'' series sought to deepen young people's understanding and appreciation of China's traditional culture.

The highlight of the event was an interactive lesson in Jinan Hongquan, a local martial art recognized as a municipal intangible cultural heritage. Jia Youmin, a key inheritor of Hongquan, introduced its history, techniques, and cultural significance. Jia's students experienced the strength and spirit that characterize Hongquan through fundamental moves like the fist salute, horse stance punches, and combination routines.

This hands-on experience allowed international students not only to appreciate Chinese martial arts' rich heritage but also to strengthen their connection with traditional Chinese culture. As part of Baihuazhou Youth Home's ongoing mission to promote ''Social Innovation + Youth Innovation + Cultural Innovation'', and aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, the activity offered an immersive platform for cultural exchange, infusing intangible heritage with youthful energy.

In the future, Lixia will continue partnering with the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center to grow the ''international friend circle''. Using Baihuazhou Youth Home as a hub, they aim to explore diverse ways to preserve traditional culture and inject fresh vitality into building a first-class international center district.