During an event on May 8 in London marking this year's Chinese Language Day, about 100 students from six schools across the United Kingdom celebrated the Chinese language and culture via workshops including woodblock printing, fan dance and calligraphy. JIA YUCHEN/XINHUA

An event marking this year's Chinese Language Day was held on May 8 in London, bringing 100 students from six schools across the United Kingdom to celebrate the Chinese language and culture.

The event, themed "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space", featured eight workshops highlighting various aspects of Chinese culture, including characters, calligraphy, poetry, martial arts, and opera masks. The activities blended traditional customs with modern elements, ranging from woodblock printing to virtual reality experiences.

"Learning Chinese is challenging, but also incredibly fun and exciting. It has helped me understand Chinese culture, which is different from the cultures I've experienced before," says Noah Eskinazi-Nehme, a student who has studied Chinese for almost two years at the City of London School and celebrates Spring Festival with his family each year.

During an event on May 8 in London marking this year's Chinese Language Day, about 100 students from six schools across the United Kingdom celebrated the Chinese language and culture via workshops including woodblock printing, fan dance and calligraphy. JIA YUCHEN/XINHUA

He wants to visit China one day to improve his language skills further while exploring the country's diverse landscapes and seeing pandas. He also hopes his future career path will keep him "connected to China".

Along with workshops, students performed Chinese songs, posed for photos with a panda mascot, and received souvenirs.

Patrick Adamson, deputy head teacher of Calday Grange Grammar School, says that learning Chinese enables students to "engage with China not as just a concept but as a living, dynamic culture" and "foster curiosity, empathy, and respect for global perspectives".

"We are preparing a generation not just to speak Mandarin but to speak across borders, to listen across cultures, and lead with understanding," he notes.

During an event on May 8 in London marking this year's Chinese Language Day, about 100 students from six schools across the United Kingdom celebrated the Chinese language and culture via workshops including woodblock printing, fan dance and calligraphy. JIA YUCHEN/XINHUA

Zhao Fei, minister of the Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom, says: "Language serves as a means for exchanging ideas and a bridge for mutual understanding."

Zhao describes mastering Chinese as "holding a magic key that bridges the past and present", adding that it allows students to "traverse time, explore China's 5,000 years of civilization, understand its current progress, and get a view of its future".

Established by the United Nations, International Chinese Language Day is observed annually on April 20 to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.