German Students Cultivate Cultural Understanding Through Ancient Art of Lingnan Bonsai in Guangzhou
GUANGZHOU, October 17, 2025 – A group of German students and educators immersed themselves in the delicate art of Lingnan bonsai this week, gaining firsthand experience with a living intangible cultural heritage unique to Southern China. The exchange program, a collaboration between Guangzhou city authorities and German institutions, offered a rare opportunity to explore not just the craftsmanship of miniature tree cultivation, but the underlying beliefs of harmony and balance embedded within the practice.
Under the guidance of a local Lingnan bonsai tutor, the german guests learned the techniques of pruning and shaping these miniature trees, delving into the Chinese concept of “a world in a pot.” When the tutor invited closer observation during a presentation, 15-year-old Clara Weber eagerly stepped forward.”in Germany, people also prune plants in their gardens, but it’s very different from bonsai,” Clara said. “We don’t usually think of a single plant as a work to be created.”
The program,jointly organized by the Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau,the Foreign Affairs Office of the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government,and the Guangzhou Municipal Forestry and Landscaping Bureau,extended beyond the bonsai workshop. The group also toured the Frankfurt Garden in Guangzhou’s Yuexiu Park, a baroque-style garden gifted by Frankfurt in 1996 to commemorate Guangzhou’s 2,210th anniversary. The garden features a statue of Goethe,mirroring the one in Frankfurt,symbolizing the enduring connection between the two cities.
Teacher Milica Bovan described the trip as an inspiring cultural experience. “This is an amazing opportunity to see a fully different culture,” she said. “What I especially like is how you integrate your ancient culture into everyday classes, so that students can not only focus on modern things but also keep nourishing what your culture has given.”
The exchange underscores Guangzhou’s commitment to fostering international understanding through cultural preservation and education. Lingnan bonsai,originating in the Guangdong province,is recognized for its unique style emphasizing naturalism and artistic expression,and is a key element of China’s rich horticultural traditions.
Reporting by Chen Siyuan. photos courtesy of the Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau.Edited by Hu Nan, james Campion, and Shen He.
