The SISU International Students' Union (ISU) was delighted to receive so many heartfelt stories from our international peers, each offering vivid snapshots of the holiday. Some traveled home for a family reunion beneath the Mid-Autumn moon; others explored the hidden gems of Shanghai’s neighborhoods; and many cherished moments of laughter with friends they hadn’t seen in far too long. Wherever the break took you, we hope this collection serves as a mosaic of experiences—a chance to pause, step away from daily routines, and relive the warmth of this special season.

SIMA MOZAFARI (Xima) (Iran)

Chinese Studies graduate student Sima Mozafari shared vlogs featuring her trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and a recent hike.

Vlog about the trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Vlog about a hiking experience

IDRISS MAHAMOUD ABDERAHIM (Yahu) (Chad)

IDRISS MAHAMOUD ABDERAHIM (Yahu), a master’s student from Chad, shared how he spent the National Day holiday—balancing relaxation and studies at home with exploring the city of Shanghai.

Hello everyone! I am an international student from Chad, currently studying at a university in China. The 2025 National Day holiday (October 1-7) was the first extended break I have spent fully in China. As part of the International Students' Union activities, I chose to spend the week combining relaxation and study at home with exploring Shanghai. Instead of long-distance travel, I fully immersed myself in the charm of Chinese culture and the vibrancy of the city. Below is a breakdown of my experiences by date and activity.

On Oct. 1st I woke up early in Shanghai and streamed the flag-raising at Tian’anmen. Even on my phone, the moment felt huge, and I finally got why Chinese people are so proud.

I mostly stayed in during the break. My go-to viewing was the "The Silk Road" documentary (the 1980s CCTV/NHK one), which was like time travel through history. Between that, I reviewed for classes and started my thesis—a chill but productive week.

I took a few days to explore Songjiang and downtown Shanghai, seeing the city's diverse character up close.

My holiday adventures took me to various spots across Shanghai. My first stop was the Wulong Lake International Eco-Resort in Songjiang District. I browsed for souvenirs at the massive Wulong Lake Super Mall and had my first-ever horse riding experience in China at the "Riding Happy Equestrian Club," which was a fun introduction to outdoor activities here.

Next, I visited the Quarry Garden and the Chenshan Botanical Garden. The Quarry Garden, ingeniously transformed from an abandoned quarry, felt like a natural work of art. At the botanical garden, I wandered among the vibrant autumn foliage and discovered exotic plants in the tropical greenhouse—a perfect escape from the city noise.

I also made a stop at the Shanghai Tank Art Center. This modern art space, created from renovated oil tanks, impressed me with its avant-garde architecture and contemporary exhibitions, leaving me feeling inspired.

Of course, no trip would be complete without seeing the Bund. It was crowded, but the view was worth it—the Oriental Pearl Tower standing against the historical architecture across the Huangpu River, all illuminated by a spectacular light show at night. The festive energy was truly exciting.

Looking back, even though I spent much of the break at home, my outings made it incredibly rewarding. I not only relaxed but also gained a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and the joy of engaging with local life. I hope my experience encourages you to try something new on your next break—I know I’m already thinking about venturing further on my next trip!

JOOYOUNG CHOI (Choi Joo-young) (South Korea)

JOOYOUNG CHOI, a senior student from South Korea, shared wonderful photos from his trip to Huzhou.

ANNA RADKIVSKA (Lè Yú) (Ukraine)

VALERIIA GOGULAN (Fēi Hóng) (Russia)

Next is a joint submission from ANNA RADKIVSKA (Class 3, Grade 4) and VALERIIA GOGULAN (Class 4, Grade 3), who explored the vast grasslands of Hulunbuir together.

A Journey to Hulunbuir: Galloping Across the Grassland, A Retreat for the Soul

First Impressions: A Clash of Climates and Journey Overview

This was my first time leaving Shanghai and traveling to Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia, the northernmost part of China I've ever been to. I was escaping Shanghai's unbearable heat, only to be greeted by the refreshing chill of a Hulunbuir October; I even visited a place once recorded at a historic low of -50°C. We stayed in a different town or village each day, with daily drives lasting about four to five hours. Our tour guide not only explained the local culture and customs but also taught us some Beijing dialect.

Nature: A Visual Feast of Diverse Landscapes

During our journey, the scenery outside our window was in constant motion—shifting between vast grasslands, rolling hills, and dense forests. Each day brought new views and even a different scent in the air.

Mountains & Vegetation

The mountains in Hulunbuir are gentle and unassuming. Some are bare, while others are cloaked in forests. The white birch and Mongolian pine common here are a world away from Shanghai's flora. I was struck by the Mongolian pine's resilience in the bitter cold—it reminded me of the strength and endurance in the Chinese character.

Wetlands & Off-Road Adventure

We explored vast, nutrient-rich marshlands that nurture birds and unique plants. Donning blue protective suits, we rode ATVs, getting covered in mud from head to toe—an absolutely fun and unforgettable experience.

River Landscapes

Rivers like the Hailar meander across the plains like giant serpents. Their full scale is hard to grasp from the ground, but the view of the winding "river curves" from above is truly breathtaking.

Culture: Agriculture, Animals & Local Life

Agricultural Impressions

We came across fields dotted with packed wheat straw bales. Playing on them felt like a return to childhood, and it gave us a direct sense of the agricultural strength embodied in these vast farmlands.

Animal Encounters

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by herds of sheep, horses, and cattle. With the help of our Mongolian guide, I tried horse riding for the first time—starting out nervous but growing confident as I experienced the freedom of galloping across the grassland. We also met different species of deer. Though they rely on humans for food, they didn't linger long after eating. Reindeer breeding, we learned, is an ancient local industry. The biggest surprise was spotting Bactrian camels right between city houses—not only are they unique-looking, but they also serve key roles in transport and wool production.

First Impressions: A Clash of Climates and Journey Overview

We spent one night in a traditional Mongolian yurt. Though initially unsure about the amenities, we were completely captivated by the view from the window: an endless grassland, riders galloping freely, and sheep grazing peacefully.

Our trip coincided with China's National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the festive spirit was palpable. We were even invited by locals to taste mooncakes, and the landscape seemed all the more magnificent bathed in the golden sunlight.

When it was time to leave, we found it hard to say goodbye—trading the refreshing 6°C of Hulunbuir for Shanghai's 30°C heat was no easy farewell. But nature gifted us a perfect send-off: the first snowfall we'd seen in two years began to fall. We've already promised to return one day to this magical land.

MAYA SCHMID (Wu Jiahui) (Germany)

Maya Schmid, a Chinese language student from Germany, shared her warm memories of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with her family.

Hello, I'm Maya (Wu Jiahui)! I've just begun my Chinese studies at Shanghai International Studies University!

During the holiday, I visited my grandparents in the countryside near Wuxi.

Having grown up in Germany without knowing Chinese before, I never had the chance to build a close relationship with them. I often found myself wondering about their lives—how and where they lived, and what their everyday routines were like.

That’s why I decided to focus my project on “Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations in Rural China, Through My Eyes.” I believe that, through this lens, more people might catch a glimpse of a different side of China—one that may not be as widely recognized but is deeply touching. It’s a side familiar to many Chinese people, yet often remains unseen by exchange students and tourists.

I’m grateful for this opportunity and hope you can feel the warmth and atmosphere I experienced yesterday—the very feeling I’ve tried to convey here.

Warm regards,

Maya Schmid

KENES MAKHABBAT (Ai Li) (Kazakhstan)

Kenes Makhabbat, a Master's student in Chinese Studies from Kazakhstan, shared her heartfelt story of reuniting with a close friend after a long time apart.

During the National Day break, I got to spend an incredible week with my closest friend, Sana. We hadn't seen each other for ages, so this holiday was the perfect chance to finally catch up.

We set out to discover the best of Shanghai together — from the glittering Oriental Pearl Tower to the dreamy glow of the Bund at night. Some of our best moments were trying all kinds of local dishes. We couldn't stop laughing over our food adventures, and we both fell in love with Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles at first bite.

One highlight was going to see a heartfelt Chinese movie about lawyers — it wasn’t just moving, but also a great way to learn more about the language and culture here. In between outings, we’d take slow walks in quiet parks, talking for hours about everything from our biggest dreams to our favorite memories.

Every day felt special, like the world had slowed down just for us. When it was time to say goodbye, there was definitely a touch of sadness — but more than anything, we felt grateful. This trip reminded us that no matter how far apart we are, real friendship knows no distance.

SOLONGO BATBOLD (Caihong) (Mongolia)

Solongo Batbold, an undergraduate student in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Mongolia, shared her travel vlog with us.

Travel Vlog

NHU QUYNH NGUYEN THI (Yueting) (Vietnam)

Last but not least, Nhu Quynh Nguyen Thi, an undergraduate student in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Vietnam, shared her experience of visiting some less-crowded and hidden gem spots during the National Day holiday.

This holiday, while my classmates were stuck in crowds, I found myself in a hospital room. I thought, what could be a more literal way to share my "break" than by sharing a story about getting an IV? All jokes aside, I recovered quickly.

I still got to enjoy my time in Shanghai by discovering some underrated spots. The best part was that we had no plan at all, which made the exploration even more fun.

Source: Study at SISU