Students from Ningbo and Bulgaria study the Three Character Classic by scholar Wang Yinglin. [Photo/nbyznews.cn]

A cross-cultural reading of the Three Character Classic connected students in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, and Sofia, Bulgaria, on April 17 in celebration of the 16th United Nations Chinese Language Day.

In a unique online event titled "Reading Classics with Children", students from Wuxiang Town Central Primary School in Ningbo's Yinzhou district joined peers from the China Cultural Center in Sofia to explore the shared wisdom of ancient texts and modern dialogue.

The reading was accompanied by a melody from a traditional guqin, with students alternating between Chinese and Bulgarian translations.

Stefan, a Bulgarian student also known by her Chinese name Zhong Weijin, recited the line: "Their natures are similar, but habits make them different" in her heartfelt Mandarin, reflecting on how environment shapes personality. In turn, Chinese student Shu Tong shared the story of "Mencius's mother moving house three times" to emphasize the importance of educational surroundings.

The dialogue extended beyond literature.

"Besides noodles and biscuits, what other foods are made from wheat?" asked student Hu Ruoxuan, prompting Bulgarian student Boris to introduce banitsa - a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with buttered phyllo, eggs, yogurt, and cheese. His fluent Chinese earned him a round of applause.

As a token of their friendship, Ningbo students presented handmade gifts like fans with Chinese seasonal poems and canvas bags illustrated with the story of "Kong Rong giving up pears".

"This story conveys humility and kindness - it symbolizes our friendship," said students Yuan Zekai and Qiu Fengtao in English.

A bilingual summer camp based on the Three Character Classic is planned for August, connecting students again through both travel and virtual exchanges.