By: Mongi Khanyile

The Chinese exhibition was held in the heart of Musgrave area at Essenwood Park in Durban this past weekend. The exhibition was primarily about promoting Chinese culture; learning
how to write in Chinese characters, learning the art of ‘tai chi’ just to mention a few.

Chinese calligraphy has a long history as an accumulation of thousand years of Chinese civilization.

The Chinese people invented characters, which have been artistically created and beautified through the improvement and development of each dynasty. Everyone was invited
to try write these characters.

A form of Chinese martial arts ‘Tai Chi’ is practiced for both defence and health, for its’ hard and soft martial arts techniques. Millions of people around the world are practicing it every
day because it improves physical condition, muscle strength, coordination and flexibility.

It improves balance, decreases the risk of falls, especially in elderly people.

Chinese cuisine was another aspect that people were exposed to. Both vegetarian and meaty wraps were included. There were pancakes, with duck meat and pickles for people who were
not vegetarians.

Different types of tea were displayed and it was explained how they are beneficial to one’s health.

Pan Pan, lecturer of Mandarin at ML Sultan campus said, “Red tea is good for the stomach and green tea is good because it prevents cholesterol and helps with diabetes.”

During the exhibition, there were several different performances showcasing the differences existing in Chinese cultures. There was a Chinese dancer ‘Judi’ who is a lecturer of Mandarin
at ML Sultan campus who performed a traditional Chinese dance.

Tai Chi is one of the famous forms of ‘Kung Fu’ which can be practiced for combat purposes for self-defence and also for meditation and relaxation for elderly people it aids with stiff
muscles and prevents falls at old age.

Lethu Mkhwanazi, a learner at the Durban High School said that he had never seen real Chinese martial arts with his own two eyes and believes that he is going to want to join next
year as he is planning on studying at the Durban University of Technology.

Innocent Zithulile, a B-tech student in taxation currently doing his first level mandarin and had this to say, “Chinese people are extremely wise people as they eat correctly and exercise
efficiently and this ‘tai chi’ presented to us has shown to be beneficial to their lifespan as it helps in relaxation and meditation.”