On the afternoon of February 15, over 50 international students from 11 countries—including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, Sudan, Uganda, and Vietnam—took part in a cultural visit to Shuiku Village in Caojing Town, Jinshan District. They wandered through a lively rural market, experienced traditional intangible cultural heritage activities, visited local villagers' homes, and shared a festive New Year's Eve dinner together. Through these authentic, down-to-earth encounters, they not only immersed themselves in the true flavors of a Chinese New Year but also strengthened cross-cultural friendships through warm and meaningful interactions.

The students strolled through the bustling rural market, fully immersing themselves in the vibrant New Year atmosphere of the countryside. At the intangible cultural heritage experience zone, they joyfully took part in traditional activities such as writing Spring Festival couplets, crafting the character "Fu" (blessing), and paper-cutting. Through the strokes of ink and red paper, they discovered the beauty and elegance of Chinese characters.

At the "Food Encounter" experience area, they got to make traditional rice cakes by layering rice flour into molds. As they shaped and unmolded each piece, they learned about the food's symbolism—its layered form representing hope for a "higher year." It was fun, food, and a side of philosophy, all wrapped into one.

The international students then visited a local villager's home, where they joined their host aunt in preparing the New Year's Eve reunion dinner—pasting spring couplets, making tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), and shaping tabing (traditional rice patties). Under her patient guidance, they kneaded dough, wrapped fillings, and molded each piece by hand. What started as clumsy attempts soon turned into confident moves, with laughter filling the kitchen along the way. Before long, a warm and bountiful New Year's Eve dinner was served—a feast made together, joy shared across cultures.

That evening, a special gala titled "Family Joy: A Year of the Horse Celebration" took the stage, featuring a vibrant mix of song and dance, instrumental performances, and interactive acts. International students and local villagers performed side by side, drawing wave after wave of applause and bringing the festive spirit of the New Year to a joyful crescendo.

Source: Donghua University