Thai Princess Plants Trees in BeijingPrincess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand planted trees in the outskirts of Beijing Saturday. The princess started her month-long study at Beijing University on February 14, sponsored by a Chinese culture studies scholarship.During her stay at the university, Princess Sirindhorn mainly focuses on studying Chinese language and culture. She is also practicing Chinese calligraphy, painting, Taijiquan, a kind of traditional Chinese shadow boxing, and erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument. She has also visited Buddhist temples, shops of traditional Chinese paintings, and a local middle school. As an old friend of the Chinese people, Princess Sirindhorn has a strong interest in Chinese history, language and culture. The Princess has written several books about China and has translated a number of Chinese poems and stories into other languages. In March 2000, Princess Sirindhorn was conferred a language, culture and friendship award by the Chinese Ministry of Education. She was the first recipient of that prize. Princess Sirindhorn had visited China 12 times but to study at Beijing University has long been her "dream for years". |
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