Two Russian students create their own fishermen's paintings at a local fishermen's paintings studio in Zhoushan. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province recently launched a vibrant cross-cultural exchange with the theme "In Zhoushan, Islands Connect the World".

Two Russian students from Zhejiang Ocean University, Grigoreva Angelina and Diachenko Svetlana, were invited to experience the unique coastal culture through traditional fishermen's paintings and beachside adventures.

At a local fishermen's paintings studio, the students were captivated by the vivid works lining the walls. Ma Shaohong, a county-level inheritor of the fishermen's paintings, explained the paintings' origins and techniques, noting how their bright colors reflect island life.

Encouraged to create their own, the students combined sea-themed elements with personal imagination. An hour later, their lively and colorful paintings earned Ma's praise.

Ma, active in this field since 1986, has created hundreds of works, many of which have been exhibited nationwide and received over 30 awards. Since being recognized as an intangible cultural heritage inheritor in 2016, she has taught more than 350 free classes, inspiring over 300 students.

Later, on Jihu Beach, the students rode jet skis across foaming waves, their laughter blending with the sound of the sea. The event, combining heritage and coastal fun, offered an immersive way for international guests to connect with island life and culture, forming a bridge of understanding across borders.