Share:
In an era dominated by digital technology and voice-input tools, the enduring appeal of traditional calligraphy continues to captivate young learners. The “Let’s Write Chinese Characters Together – 2026 Elementary School Calligraphy Art Camp,” organized by the Youhan Hall Center for Chinese Character Studies at Feng Chia University, concluded successfully on March 15.
Supported by the Taichung Chung Chou Rotary Club and assisted by the university’s Office of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, the camp aimed to strengthen calligraphy education and promote the preservation of Chinese cultural heritage among younger generations.
The program generated tremendous enthusiasm, attracting applications from 530 elementary school students. To maintain instructional quality and accommodate venue limitations, the organizers ultimately selected 200 students in grades three through six from 90 elementary schools across Central Taiwan.
Through professional instruction and hands-on practice, participants experienced the beauty of Chinese character writing while developing concentration, patience, and aesthetic appreciation.
The “Let’s Write Chinese Characters Together – 2026 Elementary School Calligraphy Art Camp” attracted 530 applicants, with 200 students ultimately admitted based on venue capacity and instructional quality considerations.
The camp featured three distinguished calligraphy instructors, each introducing students to different aspects of Chinese writing through creative and engaging lessons.
In “Exploring Regular Script,” Chia-Hsin Chang introduced students to calligraphy tools and foundational brush techniques. Students learned about influential masters such as Ouyang Xun and Zhiyong and practiced the famous “Eight Principles of Yong.” The lesson concluded with students creating square-format calligraphy works centered on the character “Spring” (春), allowing them to experience the structural balance and rhythmic elegance of regular script.
In “Fun and Easy Calligraphy for Children,” Chao-Hsiang Huang used seal script as a gateway to understanding the structure and cultural significance of Chinese characters. Using examples such as “Virtue” (有德) and “Auspiciousness” (吉祥), he explained the values embedded within the written language. Students then applied their calligraphy to decorative lanterns, fan-shaped artworks, and gourd-shaped blessing cards, strengthening both cultural understanding and creative engagement.
Meanwhile, in “Drawing with Characters,” Kuan-Ti Chi introduced students to oracle bone script and explored the historical evolution of characters such as mountain (山), water (水), dragon (龍), and horse (馬). By integrating calligraphy with visual arts through fan-painting activities, the course encouraged imagination and artistic expression while demonstrating how writing can become a multidisciplinary creative experience.
Chao-Hsiang Huang guided students from proper brush-holding techniques into a calligraphy world filled with creativity, cultural meaning, and artistic enjoyment.
Kuan-Ti Chi combined calligraphy and visual art to inspire students’ imagination and enhance their artistic expression.
Throughout the camp, students balanced focused writing practice with creative exploration, gradually developing a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Chinese characters. Through interactive learning and artistic expression, they also gained valuable experiences and meaningful memories.
During the closing ceremony, Shih-Chiung Hsiao, Director of the Youhan Hall Center for Chinese Character Studies, explained that the camp was founded with a simple but meaningful goal: to encourage children to personally experience the joy of writing Chinese characters with a brush and, in doing so, cultivate a lasting appreciation for Chinese language and culture.
The Youhan Hall Center for Chinese Character Studies at Feng Chia University has long been committed to promoting calligraphy and Chinese character education. Through programs such as this camp, the center hopes to plant cultural seeds in the hearts of young learners and ensure that the art of calligraphy continues to thrive and evolve in future generations.
Two hundred students from grades three through six representing 90 elementary schools across Central Taiwan participated in hands-on calligraphy experiences under the guidance of instructors from Youhan Hall at Feng Chia University.
Share:
Related News