A sports and cultural exchange event was held at Shandong University on June 8, welcoming experts and scholars from over 10 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) to experience traditional Chinese sports and martial arts firsthand.

During the event, students and practitioners of traditional Chinese martial arts performed a variety of boxing styles, including Mantis Boxing, Meihua Boxing, and Tai Chi, as well as traditional Chinese sports such as cuju, an ancient form of football.

The event also set up areas for cultural exhibitions, interaction exchanges, and hands-on experience, helping visitors get a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese martial and sports culture.

The event is a part of the 2025 International Conference on the Development of Sports Education, organized by the Academic Network for Sports of China-CEEC Higher Education Institutions Consortium and held at Shandong University on June 6.

The conference focused on improving sports education to better train international sports talent and aimed to increase cultural understanding and collaboration between China and CEE countries through sports.

Performers play zhaquan, one of the major styles of traditional Chinese martial arts, during the event. [Photo/Shandong University]

A European visitor tries her hand at archery, a traditional Chinese martial art. [Photo/Shandong University]

A demonstration of the traditional game cuju is held during the event. [Photo/Shandong University]

Participants perform the Handkerchief Dance, a traditional English folk dance. [Photo/Shandong University]

Participants pose for a photo holding Chinese swords. [Photo/Shandong University]