Jianshui in Yunnan is famous for the Confucius Temple. “Confucius Ceremony” is held in every April, but this year is very special. This year’s festival was called “Resolution from the Students Who Will Take a Test”. Twenty five students aged from 5 to 19 years old and their parents were invited to drive to the Confucius Temple in Jianshui. Each person was required to put on Han Chinese costume. They first worshipped Confucius and then wrote down their dreams on the balloons and leave them flying. The “Confucius Ceremony” was too interesting to attract many people’s attention. Two of Keats students Klaus from Germany and Peter from England attended this traditional Chinese event. They are very interested in Chinese culture. Peter’s first visit to China was in 1994 and he is especially interested in Chinese Daoism. It can be easily seen from his Taoist hair style.

At 9am on April 12^th, on the road to Jianshui from Kunming, Klaus had a great time communicating with the kids on the bus. They exchanged their ideas and interests all the way to Jianshui.

After arriving at the Confucius Temple, excited, Klaus and Peter, same as other attendants, changed their clothes to Han costume. To Peter, who has a deep understanding of Chinese traditional culture, this was also his first time to wear the Han costume. They took pictures to save the beautiful moments. Then the ceremony officially started with traditional Chinese music. The atmosphere suddenly became very quiet and solemn. Klaus said “I was so impressed by the children’s expression”. Klaus thought that the children aged 5 or 6 might not know too much about its culture, but it turned out that they sincerely respect their culture, deeply from their hearts. Klaus said that it was a great to learn a country’s culture by attending traditional events like Confucius Ceremony. From a family point of view, the children stayed closer with their parents from such meaningful activity.

Moving to the section of writing dreams, Klaus and Peter also wrote their dreams and wishes on colorful notes and then attached the notes on the balloons. With a number countdown, people can see the colorful balloons were slowly moving upwards. All parents and children clapped their hands to celebrate the wonderful moment. We wish that all the dreams will come true.

Lastly, Klaus and Peter told us that they were very happy to attend this special event, which became one of the exciting things while they were in China. Klaus said that he would share his amazing experience with his family and friends after he went back to Germany. They look forward to attending more traditional Chinese events like this in Kunming.