US student awed by China's nature, culture

He said the knowledge he had acquired through documentaries and literature about ethnic minorities in Southwest China was enhanced by witnessing firsthand the thriving culture in their communities.

"The villagers greeted us and organized beautiful ceremonies where the Zhuang people and the Yao people danced, wearing their traditional regalia. They showed us their textiles and basketry, and we had the chance to hear their languages.

"On top of that, the chance to see the beautiful nature in Guilin that inspired so many old Chinese painters was very special," he said.

The United States student said he was moved by the richness of their traditions and their commitment to preserving their languages and arts and crafts. "A lot of people outside of China wouldn't even know this is a part of China, because they don't think of the ethnic minorities in the southwest. Seeing such a beautiful part of China where the cultural traditions and languages of its ethnic minorities are thriving was very moving to me," Fowler added.

As one of the finalists in the global competition, Fowler was also involved in a "Chinese Culture Experience Day" at Guangxi University, participating in lectures, symposiums and campus tours.