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‌Maltese educators build cultural bridges during five-day delegation to China

In April 2026, a delegation of Maltese educators carried out a five-day cultural and educational exchange in Xiamen and Xi’an, China. Organised under the "Chinese Bridge" programme by the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta, in collaboration with the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Education and hosted by Xiamen University, the visit aimed to foster a deeper understanding of China’s culture and education system. The delegation comprised school heads and teacher representatives from various Maltese primary, secondary, and higher education institutions.

The itinerary in Xiamen offered a deep dive into China's rich cultural heritage. At Xiamen University, the delegates participated in the United Nations International Chinese Language Day. This immersive event provided first-hand experience of traditional arts, including dance and musical performances, puppet theatre, calligraphy, painting, pith engraving, and Fujian Chunzai flower art. During a visit to the university’s School of Physical Education, the Maltese delegates also practised Tai Chi and the Eight Brocades exercises. The Xiamen leg was further complemented by a cultural tour of the scenic Gulangyu Island.

Focusing on pedagogical exchange, the delegation visited Xiamen Hubin Middle School, where they participated in a calligraphy class. Furthermore, the group observed the innovative "Anji Play" teaching methodology, an approach centred on children’s independent learning, at the Xiamen Gulf Experimental Kindergarten.

After Xiamen, the delegation proceeded to the historic city of Xi’an. A visit to the School of Cultural Heritage at Northwest University provided insights on the school’s archaeological, conservation, and restoration projects. The educators also visited world-renowned heritage sites, including the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the First Qin Emperor and Xi’an’s ancient city wall.

With educational exchange and cultural immersion as its core, this intensive trip encompassed several campus visits, hands-on cultural activities, and tours of significant historical sites, effectively enhancing mutual understanding and laying a solid foundation for continued friendly cooperation in the educational sector between Malta and China.