Cultural diversity

Speaking of the UCLA Confucius Institute, Shabnam Fasa, artistic director of the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra, told Xinhua: "The Institute is a powerful force for cultural diversity. They are looking to teach the world what true collaboration and multi-cultural discourse looks like in a creative, impactful way."

Globally, more than 9 million students have attended Confucius Institutes and Classrooms. Calligraphy, ink painting, or kung fu complement the language program. The Institute also plays a role in promoting traditional Chinese festival celebrations.

A dragon boat sailing event in June took the northern Portuguese city of Aveiro by storm that city official Catarina Barreto called for more such events in the future, saying it combined the traditional cultures of Portugal and China.

In the Italian town of Castel Maggiore in September, a Chinese bun stuffed with Bolognese mince brought the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations there to a climax.

"What I like most about Chinese culture is that it's rich, it's deep, it exposes you to a lot of things," said Charles Wanika, a Kenyan student.