A short course for students from Japan's Rikkyo University was held at Shanxi University (SXU) between Feb 24 and March 17.

During the three-week course, SXU offered classes on Chinese, martial arts, painting, and calligraphy to the Japanese students.

Exchange activities between Chinese and Japanese students were arranged each Monday. Cultural experience activities themed around north Shanxi's Buddhism and Shanxi merchants were also held to enable students form Rikkyo University to know more about China and Chinese culture.

The two universities have been facilitating student exchanges since 1985, with both offering short courses and collaborating in scientific research.

So far, Shanxi University has sent over 80 students to study at the Japanese university, with more than 10 receiving doctorates.

The short course and training program for students from Rikkyo University was launched in 2015 to honor the 30th anniversary of the friendship.

Students from Japan's Rikkyo University attend a Chinese calligraphy and painting lesson at Shanxi University. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

Japanese students pose for a group photo during a report conference at Shanxi University, March 17. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]