Chinese coach Wang Juan (Left) teaches Kellen McDaniel, a student from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the United States, how to hold a table tennis racket during a physical education class at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing on Monday. [Photo by Zou Hong/ China Daily]

Students from the United States joined physical education classes at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on Monday, exploring Chinese culture through table tennis and Kung Fu.

Dozens of students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) played table tennis with their Chinese counterparts and discussed their school experiences.

Kayla Kristchil, who has played table tennis at home in America, matched evenly with her Chinese partner during the class. Kristchil, whose father introduced her to the sport, shared that she used to play for hours with her elder sister.

During breaks, Kristchil and BFSU students exchanged insights about their respective cities and school life. "We talked about the city and how it is different from American cities. She was wearing a gym shirt, and we love gym shirts too," Kristchil said, noting that physical education classes are not mandatory at IUP.

Students from IUP and BFSU play table tennis. [Photo by Zou Hong/ China Daily]

Kristchil emphasized the importance of cross-cultural communication through sports. "Sport gives you something in common. We didn't even have to talk; just playing Ping-Pong and spending time together was fun," she said. "Despite many differences between China and the US, having a common interest like sports is important."

Many US students found traditional Chinese exercises like Tai Chi and Baduanjin challenging. Unlike her peers, Vy Hoang demonstrated a knack for martial arts, quickly picking up the movements of Tai Chi Push Hands under the guidance of instructor Wang Juan. Hoang's 10-year experience in Karate helped her understand Kung Fu principles swiftly.

Xu Ran, a BFSU freshman, noted that some US students found Tai Chi slow and a bit dull. "Even we Chinese students sometimes think so, but it takes a long time, not just one class, to truly understand its essence and inner power," Xu said. She expressed hope that the visitors would have more opportunities to experience traditional exercises and appreciate their benefits over time.

Starting Wednesday, the IUP team will participate in a two-week program, Discover China, organized by BFSU. The program includes lectures on Sino-US relations and cultural tours in Beijing and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

IUP students play table tennis. [Photo by Zou Hong/ China Daily]

Students from IUP and BFSU learn Tai Chi. [Photo by Zou Hong/ China Daily]

Wang instructs the baduanjin movements of American student Emma Monday (Right). [Photo by Zou Hong/ China Daily]

IUP students Kamir Walton (Middle) and Vy Hoang (Right) practice Tai Chi Push Hands. [Photo by Zou Hong/ China Daily]