Carlos, a Spanish language and literature teacher at SYSU’s School of International Studies, recently immersed himself in an experience of Chinese woodblock printing on campus, describing the activity as a window into understanding China’s cultural heritage.

During the printing workshop, Carlos closely observed wooden blocks carved with classical Chinese characters alongside traditional tools: brushes, ink, and fine paper. "I want to learn about the origins and development of this ancient technique of printing and carving wood, which is very interesting just by itself," he shared while examining the historical materials.

Guided by an artisan, Carlos practiced the meticulous process of ink application and paper pressing. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted, "This technique is apparently easy, but at the end of the day, you realize that it's way more complex than it looks. I learned a lot about how to make these—how to try not to put too much ink or too little. It's very difficult, but it's very interesting."

As a teacher at SYSU, Carlos emphasized the value of such hands-on learning: "To teach culture, you must learn from culture." He expressed how such experiences deepen his understanding of Chinese heritage, which in turn enriches his approach to teaching Spanish language and literature by providing a cultural context for his students.

The woodblock printing event is part of SYSU’s ongoing initiative to promote intercultural dialogue through traditional arts. With plans to participate in more cultural activities in the future, Carlos’s experience exemplifies SYSU’s commitment to cultivating a globally minded community where academic exchange and cultural discovery go hand in hand.

Let’s delve into Carlos’s journey of immersion in this 7th-century technique!

Video: Li Zhengqian, Li Xinyang

Writer: Feng Xianzhe