A traditional Chinese cultural experience classroom was unveiled at the Confucius Institute of Brittany in Rennes, France on May 21, with the support of Shandong University.

The cultural experience classroom is the first of its kind established overseas by Shandong University in collaboration with a Confucius institute, said Ma Xiaole, president of the university’s College of International Education. The unique learning space aims to provide French learners of Chinese and enthusiasts of Chinese culture with an opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand, she added.

It will also help deepen cooperation between Shandong University and the Confucius Institute of Brittany in areas such as student and faculty exchanges, talent cultivation, sharing of quality courses, and promotion of Sino-French cultural exchanges, according to Ma.

During his speech, Blaise Thierrée, president of the Confucius Institute of Brittany, expressed gratitude to Shandong University for providing excellent courses and a diverse range of teaching tools for wood block printing and plant dyeing.

He said he looked forward to further cooperation between the two sides in promoting cultural exchanges and international Chinese education.

The Confucius Institute of Brittany was established through the joint efforts of Shandong University, the Brittany regional government, the city of Rennes and its surrounding cities in 2008. It has become a significant hub for promoting traditional Chinese culture in the western region of France.

From May 20 to 22, the Shandong University delegation also organized activities such as classes, discussions, and visits to institutes in Rennes to further deepen friendly relations between Shandong University and the city.

Representatives, including Ma Xiaole (second from right), president of the College of International Education at Shandong University and Blaise Thierrée (first from right), president of the Confucius Institute of Brittany, pose for a group photo at the unveiling ceremony of the traditional Chinese cultural experience classroom in Rennes, France on May 21. [Photo/Shandong University]

Students from the Confucius Institute of Brittany show their traditional Chinese character works. [Photo/Shandong University]