CANBERRA－Some Chinese students in the Australian capital Canberra came together for an online event, according to Li Meng, founder of the Australian Capital Territory Overseas Chinese Students Care Center.

In the 40-minute video clip, students not only sang and danced, but also recited classic Chinese poems and filmed a show wearing traditional costumes.

One of the highlights was a concert of music from the TV drama Dream of the Red Chamber. Eight students, dressed as characters from the story, played different traditional musical instruments.

"The ACT Overseas Chinese Students Care Center last year organized a range of events, promoting Chinese culture, while demonstrating the spirit of our young people," says Song Yanqun, minister-counselor for culture at the Chinese Embassy in Australia.

According to Li, 59, the inspiration for founding such a center came from her son, who arrived in Australia 15 years ago as a middle school student.

He went on to become a college teacher and met many overseas students, some of whom were Chinese.

"He told me that he felt sorry for those overseas students, who were so young, but away from their families," Li says.

The center was registered three years ago and founded last year.

"There are many overseas students who couldn't travel back to China during the pandemic. Therefore, I would like to provide a place where they can get together and meet new friends while doing activities related to their own culture," she says.

There were regular lectures, usually about how to stay healthy and prevent coronavirus infection. They also set up a traditional costume society. The center has, so far, attracted more than 100 students, according to Li.

Zhan Ziying is a student from the Australian National University, who became a member of the center following an introduction by a friend.

"I love the traditional costumes," she says. "At the center, I enjoy performing with other people. The center broadened my horizons and we feel less lonely."

"During the pandemic, the center offers us a place where we feel at home," says Liu Yize from the University of Canberra. "The lectures are helpful, and the speakers, who are consultants of the center, can help us resolve real problems."

"It is my hope that more students will come to the center," he says.

Xinhua