A brush with history

Every Wednesday afternoon, Le Duc An, a Vietnamese PhD student at Beijing University of Technology, practices what he says is a way to elevate his "mind, body and spirit".

The 33-year-old has been studying Chinese calligraphy for nearly three years at the campus calligraphy club.

"Chinese calligraphy has not only helped me cultivate qualities of patience, care and perseverance, it has also helped me learn significantly more about China, especially its culture," An says.

Chinese calligraphy is widely regarded in the country as a good way to strengthen the will and lead a healthy life. To practice calligraphy, one has to calm the mind, body and breath, and focus on the writing, and according to adherents, as the breathing becomes even, the mind experiences peace and joy.