Students from Zhejiang International Maritime College create traditional Song brocade in Zhoushan. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]

A group of international students from Zhejiang International Maritime College visited Xiaosha Sanmao Cultural Village scenic area in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on April 23 to experience local culture.

Organized by the Dinghai district department of publicity, the visit introduced them to the cultural legacy of Taiwan writer Sanmao (1943-91), born as Chen Maoping and also known to the English-speaking world as Echo Chan, whose ancestral home is in the district.

Through guided tours and translated materials, students learned about Sanmao's life and her literary work. A documentary showing Sanmao's return visits to her hometown resonated with the group, reflecting shared feelings about distance and identity.

The students also toured the Sanmao Calligraphy and Painting Institute and a themed restaurant inspired by her writings, experiencing the artistic atmosphere of the village. These spaces have become cultural landmarks that blend literature with rural tourism.

During the visit, participants took part in a hands-on workshop at a local teahouse, where they created traditional Song brocade, a textile with a history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). From cutting to stitching, the activity offered a direct introduction to Chinese textile craftsmanship.