US students learn traditional Chinese straw handicrafts

Twenty-eight American students visited a straw-braiding article base in Changchun, Jilin province, on June 30, during which they learned about Chinese traditional braiding handicrafts and improved their Chinese language skills.

It was the first time for the 28 US students from Northeast Normal University (NENU) to get to know about Chinese folk arts.

Students watch a straw-braiding master make a straw goldfish. [Photo/Xinhua]

Diversified braided products caught the international students' eyes when they arrived at the straw-braiding article base and they observed the crafts curiously, wondering how they were made.

Xu Chunhong, head of the base, and five other braiding masters guided the students, introducing the straw-made arts to them.

"Straw can be used to braid various products. For example, dried corn leaves can be even made into evening dresses and wedding dresses," Xu said. "One of the most popular straw-made products are straw sandals, which are comfortable to wear and can absorb sweat."

US students try to make a straw handicrafts by themselves. [Photo/Xinhua]

Students showed their eagerness to make straw crafts after the visit and under the guidance of the masters they completed their first straw work -- a goldfish.

US student Ma Weibin (Chinese name) said Chinese handicrafts are interesting and village life in China is different from what he thought.

Cao Xuguang, director of the international student department at NENU, said the US students can both learn traditional Chinese culture and Chinese village life and practice their Chinese language ability through folk braiding courses.

Gu Gang (Chinese name), another student, mentioned that he knew that making handicrafts and selling them to other people is a part of Chinese village life after the experience.

US students try to make a straw work by themselves. [Photo/Xinhua]