In May, Wuhan blossomed with seasonal charm, and ICARE organized a series of cultural events blending local traditions with academic life. Through activities ranging from “intangible cultural heritage at your fingertips” to “Folk Customs at the Start of Summer,” faculty members from China and abroad experienced the richness of Chinese culture and strengthened their mutual bonds.

During a group hike to the summit of Yujia Mountain, faculty members enjoyed sweeping views of the HUST campus. The fusion of natural beauty and cultural landmarks offered a moment of reflection and poetic respite from academic duties. Greek professor Marinos Manolesos commented that shared experiences are essential for cross-cultural understanding beyond mere language.

An orchestral concert, Ode to Jiangnan, introduced traditional Chinese musical aesthetics. Professor Michel Cassir remarked that the performance changed his perception of Chinese music—where timbre and mood take precedence over structural precision, evoking vivid landscapes through sound.

Faculty also visited the historic Tanhualin Block in Wuchang, exploring the city’s evolution through museums and historic neighborhoods. These visits sparked lively exchanges among participants and deepened appreciation of Wuhan’s cultural legacy.

For the Dragon Boat Festival, ICARE hosted a sachet-making activity using traditional herbs. Participants blended mugwort, lavender, and tangerine peel into fragrant gifts. British professor Ghanim Putrus marveled at the ancient wisdom behind herbal combinations and their health benefits.

This rich series of activities—spanning heritage crafts, music, nature, and urban exploration—allowed faculty to experience Chu culture through multiple lenses, fostering deeper cultural exchange between China and Europe.