Both are now in their second year at the university, pursuing their passion for traditional performing arts through scholarships to study in China.
Before arriving in China, Khampanya had already established a strong musical foundation. He graduated from the National School of Arts in Laos before receiving a scholarship to study Chinese Traditional Music, specialising in the erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed fiddle.
“Coming to study at this university in Guangxi has been very challenging for me because I had never had the opportunity to go abroad or travel outside the country,” he said.

At first, adapting to a new environment was difficult. The language, food, people, surroundings and university system were all different from those in Laos.
“After one to two months, I began to adapt to the school’s systems, teaching methods, teachers and friends,” Khampanya said. He added that the friendliness of people at the university made the transition easier, while some Chinese food reminded him of home.
He also stressed the importance of having a solid musical background and specialised skills when studying traditional music.
For Chanthaphone Chanthavong, 21, a second-year student specialising in Chinese Traditional Dance, studying in China has been an equally rewarding experience.

“I feel very happy to have the opportunity to receive a scholarship to study in China. It is a great experience, and I have learned many new things,” she said.
Through dance, singing and music, Chanthaphone has also found opportunities to introduce Lao traditions and identity to her Chinese friends.
“I feel very proud and happy,” she said.
Guangxi Arts University is one of eight comprehensive arts institutions of higher learning in China and is jointly established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The university’s cultural initiatives include the China-ASEAN Art Museum Cluster, which promotes artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Southeast Asia.

A highlight of a media visit was the Guangxi Ethnic Music Museum, located on the university’s Nanhu Campus. Opened to the public in October 2018, the museum covers about 2,600 square metres and houses more than 1,600 items and sets, including traditional instruments, scores, manuscripts and audio-visual materials.

For young Lao artists such as Khampanya and Chanthaphone, studying in Guangxi is therefore not only about gaining an education. It is about building friendships, exchanging traditions and creating cultural connections.
“We would like to express our special thanks to the Government of China for giving us the opportunity to study at Guangxi Arts University.”
Through an erhu melody, a traditional dance or a Lao song, these young artists are showing that culture can be one of the strongest bridges between neighbouring countries.