To promote excellent traditional Chinese culture and provide international students on campus with an immersive experience of the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, the School of International Education organized a dumpling-making event on February 12 at the Meiyuan Canteen.

International students from more than a dozen countries, including Russia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan, gathered together to learn how to make dumplings amid laughter and joy, welcoming the upcoming Year of the Horse.

Under the guidance of teachers, the international students eagerly tried their hands at dumpling-making.Teachers also explained the traditional customs of the Spring Festival and the cultural significance of dumplings, connecting them with the auspicious meanings of the Year of the Horse. Dumplings are shaped like ancient gold ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity; making dumplings in the Year of the Horse further signifies 'immediate success' and smooth fortune in everything.

Although many students were new to the skill and their movements were a bit clumsy, their enthusiasm was high. The dumplings they made came in various creative shapes—some looked like suns, others like triangles—drawing waves of laughter from the crowd. The venue was filled with a joyful and harmonious atmosphere.

After boiling the dumplings, plates of steaming hot food were served. The students could not wait to taste the fruits of their labor. 'Delicious! This is my first time eating dumplings I made myself, and it feels very meaningful.' said Solinya, an international student from Russia, in his newly learned Chinese. 'The Spring Festival is the most important festival in China. Today I not only learned how to make dumplings but also understood the good wish of 'immediate success.' I will share this blessing with my family back home.'

Amid the warm festive atmosphere, Zhang Zhaolu, Dean of the School of International Education, presented Spring Festival couplets and warm greetings to the international students, making them feel the warmth of home in a foreign country.

The Spring Festival is an important carrier of Chinese culture, and the Year of the Horse embodies the beautiful expectation of forging ahead. This dumpling-making activity aimed to let international students experience the joy of the Chinese New Year and the profundity of traditional Chinese culture through a lively, immersive experience, further enhancing their understanding and recognition of China.