ROME — Phoenix-themed dances, recitations of ancient Chinese classics, and dubbed screenings of the animated film Ne Zha were among the offerings recently at a school in Rome. On April 8, dozens of Italian students at a boarding school demonstrated their passion for Chinese language and culture through performances.

The event, Celebrating the Spring, was hosted by the Rome Convitto Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele II international high school, which has science-related courses in Chinese and a long-term study-in-China program. The annual gala is a platform for students to demonstrate their progress in Chinese, and express their talent.

Rosso Sgroi, a fifth-year high school student, played the Monkey King in a short play. His fluent Chinese and lively performance earned him hearty laughter and applause from the audience. He said that he is deeply fond of Wuxia culture (martial hero fiction), as well as classical Chinese literature.

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"I have passed HSK 6 (the highest level of the standard Chinese proficiency exam) and applied to several universities in China," he says. "I hope to major in aerospace there because China has made remarkable advancements in the aerospace industry in recent years. Studying this technology in China will be crucial to my future."

The school introduced its Chinese program in 2009. Since 2010, more than 1,500 students have visited China through summer camps. In 2014, the school established a long-term study program in China. Over the years, the school has taught many students, who not only possess strong language skills, but also have well-developed cross-cultural communication abilities and a global perspective.

Li Xiaoyong, Charge d'Affaires ad interim at the Chinese Embassy in Italy, said in his speech at the event that the spirit of the Italian explorer Marco Polo — his courage in exploring the world, his openness to embracing cultures, and his warmth in forging friendships with strangers — is needed more than ever.

"The school's Chinese program has demonstrated a clear long-term vision since its inception, as we have witnessed Chinese becoming an increasingly significant language in today's world," adds Federico Masini, president and director of the Confucius Institute at Rome's La Sapienza University.

At the high school, an array of Chinese-themed paintings, calligraphy, posters, and photographs is displayed on the corridor walls, most of them by students.

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There is also a Chinese library with books and study materials for teachers and students and activities like learning martial arts and the Chinese tea ceremony are popular.

"Some may argue that globalization is no longer relevant today, but the continued interest of many young Italians in learning Chinese and in studying in China is a strong testament to its ongoing influence," Masini says.

He expressed the hope that more Italian and European students would visit and study in China, further enriching cultural exchange and skill development between Chinese and European youth.