The University of Dhaka turned into a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture on Thursday as the Lanting Chinese Calligraphy Culture Salon 2026 was held at the Mall Chattar area on the campus.
The event was organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Dhaka with the initiative of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. Teachers, students, and guests from diverse backgrounds gathered to experience the art of Chinese calligraphy, an artistic tradition rooted in more than 5,000 years of history.
Participants not only admired the elegance of Chinese calligraphy but also had the opportunity to try writing Chinese characters themselves using traditional brushes and ink. The event offered visitors a hands-on introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of the ancient art form.
As part of the cultural activities, attendees were invited to wear hanfu, traditional Chinese attire, which added to the immersive cultural experience.
One of the highlights of the event was a collaborative activity in which participants jointly created a long calligraphy scroll. The activity drew enthusiastic participation and became a focal point of the day’s celebrations.
Ma Yuncong, an engineer and Chinese calligrapher, shared his personal connection with the art. “My grandfather had a deep love for calligraphy when I was young, which inspired me to start learning it at around the age of five. I practiced consistently for nearly ten years. After growing up, I came to Bangladesh for work but have continued this passion. I’m very happy to be part of this event because it gives more people a chance to discover Chinese culture, especially its traditional side,” he said.
Li Shaofeng, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, described the event as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. “This is a beautiful symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. Both China and Bangladesh are countries with ancient civilizations. Through cultural exchange, our peoples can better understand one another, and our friendship grows stronger. Let us work together so that the bond between China and Bangladesh continues to flourish and the cultures of our two nations move forward side by side,” he said.
According to the organizers, the event gave participants far more than a glimpse into calligraphy as an art form — it offered them a genuine taste of what they described as “My Chinese Style.” According to attendees, cultural exchange events of this kind play a meaningful role in deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the connections between the people of both countries.