At Shanxi University in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, over 20 international students from countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Yemen engaged in a hands-on mural restoration workshop on Friday. The session focused on the Yongle Palace murals, a masterpiece of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) art. Participants worked on restoring a detailed close-up of the White Tiger Deity’s hand from the renowned Chaoyuan Tu (The Assembly of the Gods). Instructor Lan Fang explained that the workshop emphasized coloring, outlining, antiquing, and mounting techniques, aiming to make mural art more accessible to a wider audience. Students used specialized brushes to trace contours, mix traditional pigments, and replicate the texture and hues of historical artifacts. Ahmed Muhannad Abduljalil Abdullah, a 21-year-old Yemeni student, shared his fascination with the unique art form, noting the challenge of achieving the perfect shade with just three colors. Meechai Chanitsara from Thailand, who had previously visited the Yongle Palace, expressed deep admiration for the artisans’ craftsmanship, emphasizing the patience and precision required. Liu Xiaohui, a teacher at the university’s School of International Education and Exchange, highlighted that the workshop is part of the Understanding Contemporary China course launched in September 2023. The course employs immersive teaching methods, seminars, and field visits to help international students gain insights into China’s energy transition, sci-tech innovation, and cultural heritage protection.