Malaysian Chinese teenagers learn how to use a marionette [Photo/ HAISI Business]

A total of 32 Malaysian Chinese teenagers participated in a cultural experience course at the dance training hall of the Jiangbei Campus of Nan’an No 1 Middle School of Fujian Monday morning. Young students learned how to do wuzuquan, a traditional Chinese martial art practiced in Quanzhou, Fujian.

Wu Huiyu, a student from Pay Fong High School of Malaysia, was the leader of her team because she could learn fast. Wu said that she was very interested in martial arts. “I have learned taekwondo before, so I have a certain foundation. It is relatively easy for me to master wuzuquan,” she said.

In addition, teenagers also learned calligraphy and did sightseeing at some well-known natural and cultural landscapes in Fujian province.

Wu said, "My grandmother is from Nan'an. I have been with her since I was young and have learned some Minnan dialect.” She wanted to study in western countries before, but after this journey to China, she decided to give priority to coming to develop herself in China.

Chinese puppetry has witnessed a long history and enjoys a high reputation in the world as a national intangible cultural heritage. Teachers and students coming from afar had a lively class with a puppet show Monday.

In the class, Su Huarong, the intangible inheritor of Nan’an, showed the hand puppets to the students, piquing their interest through an introduction. Su taught the students about puppets in terms of different aspects such as varieties, shapes and history. Later, audiences enjoyed a lively performance of marionette and hand puppets.

He Ziyu, one of the students, said that the show was great, but it was not until she tried using the puppet that she appreciated how difficult it was. A puppet was not only heavy but also connected by strings, making it hard to control. Through the experience, she also learned about its profound cultural background.