Taste of Spring, Taste of Myanmar
As spring deepens and all things flourish, a vibrant season of renewal is in the air.
To promote cultural exchange among Chinese and international students and to celebrate the charm of traditional festivals, the AYC, together with the Myanmar Students Association, recently co-hosted a themed cultural experience event titled “Taste of Spring, Taste of Myanmar”on the afternoon of April 21, 2026.
Against the cultural backdrop of the traditional Chinese Shangsi Festival and the Myanmar New Year, students from 14 countries—including China, Myanmar, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand—gathered for a festive celebration of spring. Through a hands-on culinary experience featuring Chinese Ciba (glutinous rice cakes) and Myanmar Thagu Yay Aye (traditional glutinous rice balls), the participants immersed themselves in holiday traditions and shared a delightful "taste of spring" filled with joy and laughter.
At the beginning of the event, the hosts introduced the background of the program in both Chinese and English, guiding participants to learn about the historical origins, customs, and cultural significance of the Shangsi Festival and the Myanmar New Year.
One is a Chinese festival associated with spring outings, purification rituals, and welcoming blessings for the new season; the other is one of Myanmar’s most important celebrations, symbolizing farewell to the old year and joyful welcome of the new.
As these two traditions met, the venue was filled with curiosity, excitement, and anticipation.
During the cultural icebreaker quiz session that followed, the hosts prepared a series of fun questions about Myanmar New Year customs, festive foods, and traditional practices.
Students eagerly raised their hands and enthusiastically competed to answer, quickly bringing the atmosphere to life.
The highlight of the event—the making of Chinese rice cakes and Myanmar rice dumplings—brought the excitement to its peak.
Under the guidance of teachers and fellow students, participants worked in groups to prepare ingredients, knead and shape the dough, boil the treats, and decorate the finished dishes.
Soon, soft and chewy Chinese rice cakes and round, delightful Myanmar dumplings were freshly served, filling the room with delicious aromas.
With every knead and every shape formed by hand, students not only experienced the joy of traditional food-making, but also discovered the shared values of reunion, sharing, and blessings embedded in both Chinese and Myanmar cultures.
At the end of the event, participants proudly displayed the dishes they had made and gathered for a group photo.
Bright smiles were captured on camera, preserving the wonderful moments of this cross-cultural exchange.
Through its combination of two festivals, two culinary traditions, and bilingual interaction, the “Taste of Spring, Taste of Myanmar” event brought fresh vitality to traditional culture while strengthening the sense of belonging and unity within the AYC community.
Looking ahead, the AYC will continue to develop the “Festival Cultural Experience” series, creating a more diverse, open, and welcoming international exchange platform where young people can shine through mutual learning and friendship.
We look forward to seeing everyone again at the next gathering!
Source: Study at Fudan University