Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – In the studio of the Tongling Copper Sculpture Art Research Institute in Anhui Province, the luster of copper shimmered under the lights. Luo Yuting, from Taoyuan, Taiwan, and her classmates sat around a workbench, various copper sheets and tools laid out before them. She carefully picked up a hammer, gently tapping the copper sheet, striving for precision with each strike. Gradually, the copper sheet took shape in her hands.
The 2024 Tongling-Taiwan Middle School Students Cultural Exchange Camp is currently being held in Tongling, Anhui. 32 teachers and students from Taiwan are experiencing copper sculpture making firsthand, feeling the cultural charm of this ancient copper capital.
“I think this is a very special experience. I never thought I could make copper sculptures myself,” Luo Yuting excitedly shared after completing her work. “This process made me understand copper culture better and also made me admire the skills of the copper artisans.”
This was Luo Yuting’s first time in mainland China. She said that this experience was not only a simple handicraft activity, but also a profound cultural experience and a spiritual journey. She said that her previous understanding of mainland China mostly came from books and the internet, but this firsthand experience gave her a completely different perspective. "Before coming, I had many preconceived notions about mainland China, but actually being here, the people are incredibly warm and friendly, and the copper culture is profound and captivating," Luo Yuting said. She added that she would share this unforgettable experience with her family and friends after returning to Taiwan.
Cai Yiyuan, from Taipei Tech Affiliated Industrial High School, came not only to learn copper sculpture techniques but also to explore the rich history and culture behind copperware. In the studio of the Copper Sculpture Art Research Institute, Cai Yiyuan listened attentively to the teacher's explanations and carefully observed the copper sculptors' work. Besides experiencing copper sculpture firsthand, Cai Yiyuan was particularly looking forward to visiting the museum. He believes that the museum is a "bridge" connecting the past and present, allowing people to more intuitively understand the thousand-year-old copper culture of Tongling.
Tongling, as a famous ancient copper capital of China, boasts abundant copper resources and a developed copper industry. Yi Pingbo, a senior teacher at Taipei Tech Affiliated Industrial High School, believes that this is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about materials science and industrial manufacturing. “Our students mainly study power machinery and heavy machinery maintenance, and their understanding and application of copper materials are crucial to their future careers,” said Yi Pingbo.
“Tongling’s copper industry not only includes the mining and processing of raw materials, but also encompasses deep copper processing and the creation of copper handicrafts.” During the copper culture experience activity, Yi Pingbo encouraged students to actively participate and learn from copper sculptors. He believes that by experiencing the copper processing process firsthand, students can more intuitively understand the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom and combine theory with practice.
Yang Bin, from Taoyuan, Taiwan, was one of the organizers of this event. He has been committed to promoting cross-strait cultural exchange. At the event, he shared his understanding of copper culture. “Most of the students who came to Tongling this time are first-time visitors. Through hands-on experience and exchange, students can broaden their horizons and learn about and learn about Chinese culture.” (End)
