The plump, round cocoons turn into exquisite silk threads as the spinning machine rotates and, after dehydration, beautiful flowers, leaves, roots and stems are ingeniously used to create unique embossed works.

Such traditional Chinese workmanship surprised many young overseas Chinese students who were attending a summer camp in Guangzhou, Guangdong's provincial capital, on Friday.

Wen Xiaobo, vice-president of South China Agricultural University, said it had planned multiple experiences with an agricultural culture theme for the visiting students.

"I hope every overseas Chinese student can experience the unique charm and profound influence of Chinese agricultural culture from all angles and perspectives during their visit," he said.

The 10-day summer camp, which ended on Monday, attracted 66 overseas Chinese students from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Jamaica and Belgium.

At the university, the students also visited the South China Agricultural Museum, where it said they "traveled through time and space" to observe ancient farming tools up close, learn about crop planting techniques and experience the customs and traditions of the ancient farming society.

Under the guidance of teachers, the students operated the silk drawing machines by hand, experienced the process of spinning silk, and learned embossing techniques, using their imagination and creativity to give flowers new life, the university said.

The opportunity to experience the beauty of Chinese agricultural culture through hands-on operation allowed them to deepen their understanding and identification with Chinese culture, it said.

Li Chengxuan, a student from the UK, said the summer camp activities were exciting and interesting, especially the embossing, which he had never experienced before.

"The summer camp is an unforgettable experience and journey," he said.

Ivar Yu Yongqiang, from Belgium, said the camp gave them many new experiences, giving them a new understanding of traditional Chinese agriculture and a liking for traditional crafts.

The visit to the university was part of an Overseas Chinese Youth Chinese Agriculture Culture Experience Summer Camp hosted by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and jointly organized by the Guangdong Province Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the university.

The students also visited Jiangmen, a famous hometown for overseas Chinese, a Guangdong culinary technical school and famous enterprises to appreciate South China's colorful culture and the rapid development of science and technology.

zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn