Oracle bone inscriptions are the earliest known examples of Chinese characters. Many of their characters are not merely words; they are also landscapes and sketches unto themselves. With some imagination, simple characters known to all young students transform into beautiful images. In this activity, Sinologist Zhao Wengeng will teach kids about the ancient pictorial designs of oracle bone characters.

Touching China Series: Oracle Bones

Oracle bones are the earliest known record of systematized Chinese characters. By analyzing these inscriptions, experts can understand ancient Chinese society, its modes of thought and the socio-cultural situation of the time. These oracle bones can be great fun for kids as well! With some imagination, simple characters known to all young students transform into beautiful landscapes and images.

Reservation required.

Please call +86 10 5780 0200 from Tuesday to Friday 11:00-18:00 to book. Please note that you may only book one seat at a time. Members can also book by sending an email to members@ucca.org.cn.

Note:

Recommended for children aged 5-9.

All materials provided.

Doors close 15 minutes after event begins. No late entry.

Zhao Wengeng is a Sinology teacher. He began studying calligraphy at age five, and today he is a master of clerical script and ancient characters. He studied oracle bone scripts and philology under Huang Bo, compiler of the Oracle BoneScript Dictionary. To Zhao, studying ancient scripts is not just about learning the characters themselves. He hopes that through these ancient texts, children can learn about the wisdom of their ancestors and use this knowledge in their creative lives.