Turkish university students explored Nanxun district in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, from July 16 to 17, capturing local culture and landscapes through photography as part of the "Discover China Through Photography" exchange program.

A group of 33 photography students from Ankara University visited Shanlian town, known for its long history of making traditional Huzhou writing brushes, where they experienced calligraphy and learned about traditional Chinese culture.

Holding a writing brush, student Uras Yurdagul wrote the Chinese characters for "China" on a piece of paper and described calligraphy as "dancing with lines".

During their visit, the students photographed the rural scenery of Yaoli village, explored the lotus scenery at Xiaolianzhuang scenic resort in Nanxun ancient town, and visited the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall in Digang village, where they learned about traditional crafts including Huzhou writing brush making and silk weaving.

Turkish students pose with handmade Dingsheng cakes during their visit to Nanxun district, Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

They also tried making Dingsheng cakes in Digang village, experiencing the traditional process of sieving flour, adding fillings, and shaping the rice cakes.

Asli Yagmurlu Dara, deputy dean of Ankara University's Faculty of Film and Television, said the students gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through the visit. After returning home, they plan to hold a photography exhibition in Turkiye to share their works and stories of China.