On February 11, eight international student representatives from our  gathered at the Boda Garden Community in Zhangdian District to experience the charm of China’s traditional Lantern Festival. The event aimed to immerse participants in intangible cultural heritage practices like crafting dough lanterns and solving riddles while preserving and promoting Chinese traditions.

The Lantern Festival, also known as Shangyuan Festival or Yuanxiao Festival, marks the conclusion of Spring Festival celebrations and the true beginning of the Lunar New Year. At the event, international students attentively learned lantern-making techniques from instructors, creating vibrant festive lanterns under their guidance. Subsequently, guided by community teachers, they mastered the art of making yuanxiao (sweet rice balls)—from filling wrapping to shaping—unlocking the symbolism of reunion through this culinary tradition. After savoring the sweetness of yuanxiao and its embodiment of togetherness, they engaged in riddle-solving, uncovering cultural mysteries hidden within Chinese characters.

Through crafting lanterns, making yuanxiao, and solving riddles, the international students immersed themselves in the festival’s folk customs. Vivi and Sharus from Russia shared: This is our second year studying in China. Participating in today’s celebration allowed us to taste the authentic atmosphere of a Chinese New Year, deepening our appreciation for its cultural richness. Happy Lantern Festival to all!

Such community engagement forms a vital part of our school’s national conditions education. Centered on experiencing traditional festivals, this activity enhanced international students’ understanding of Chinese culture. By creating traditional delicacies, students deepened their connection to China’s cultural uniqueness and festive spirit, savoring the essence of a Chinese New Year. These initiatives empower them to become cultural ambassadors who understand, befriend, and cherish China while sharing its heritage globally.