South African students who visited a Chinese culture and heritage exhibition in Johannesburg said the experience has exposed them to Chinese language, culture and heritage, motivating them to learn more about China.

Speaking to Xinhua, Ofentse Girls High School student Busisiwe Msimang said that taking part in the exhibition has been eye opening.

"This is very interesting because I'm learning more about Chinese language and culture. I would like to learn the language even though it does not sound easy," the 13-year-old girl said.

Msimang's view was shared by Aphiwe Shezi.

"This is the first time I'm interacting with Chinese people and also learning about their New Year," said Shezi, a grade eight student. "I like their language because it's different from mine."

"I'd like to learn more about their traditions and their food. I want to know how they live in China and their lifestyle and also travel to China," said Shezi.

The exhibition was organized by the Chinese Embassy on the eve of Chinese New Year.

Zhou Yong, Cultural Affairs Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, stressed the importance of people to people exchanges between China and South Africa.

"If we know one another's culture and understand one another's heritage, it's easy to interact and establish people to people's exchange," he said. "Chinese language is very unique, interesting and ancient. Children become smart by learning it."

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