German
Chinese
Workshop Review: "Images of China in Science - Building. Reflecting. Understanding."
How do our inner images of China shape everyday scientific practice?
What role do they play in international collaboration – often without us consciously realizing it?
The first intercultural workshop within the Yi Qi – Joint China Competence Saxony project, held on September 26, 2025, addressed these questions. The event took place at the MeTeOr project center at Chemnitz University of Technology and was led by Dr. Susann Zeiner-Fink.
Using the LEGO® Serious Play® method, participants were able to literally visualize their ideas, experiences, and expectations. The creative and interactive approach resulted in symbolic models that served as a starting point for an intensive dialogue. The goal of the workshop was to reflect on personal and society's images of China, to exchange intercultural experiences, and thus to strengthen intercultural competence in research and teaching. In addition, practical strategies for successful international cooperation were to be developed and impulses for more empathy, openness, and collaboration in the scientific context were to be set.
The feedback from the participants made it clear that the workshop was a complete success in terms of its objectives: "A lot of things came up today that were simply unfamiliar to me, but which simply raised my awareness." The intercultural exchange between Chinese and German workshop participants was highlighted as particularly enriching: "I found the exchange incredibly enriching. To see ourselves reflected from the outside, how we are perceived. And I think that now all we really need to do is take what we shared today and share it with the outside world, thus pulling the trigger for the future."
The workshop showed: Intercultural competence begins with reflecting on our own images – and unfolds its potential when we bring them into dialogue together.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all participants for their openness and inspiring contributions!
