The Shanghai University of Finance and Economics hosted a Spring Festival dinner on Jan 21.

Over 200 faculty members and students, including 36 international students from 18 countries, gathered to share the festive atmosphere of the traditional Chinese holiday.

Before the dinner, students engaged in various activities, including writing Spring Festival couplets, making dumplings, printing auspicious pictures, and crafting lanterns.

"Making dumpling is very interesting. I don't usually cook on my own, but it's pretty fun," said Haakon Hausevik, a Norwegian student currently working on his master's degree in international finance at the university. "I think there are quite a few similarities between China and Norway. We celebrate the new year with friends and families, enjoying good food and drinks and sharing the hope for the New Year."

The celebration featured a variety of fascinating student performances, with highlights such as a traditional Myanmar dance and a multilingual rendition of the song Two Tigers.

"The dance I performed is from one of Myanmar's traditional Thingyan Water Festival songs. It symbolizes joy, unity, and the spirit of celebrating together," said Hsu Myat Sandi Lynn, a student from Myanmar.

Interactive games between performances added extra fun, with enthusiastic participation from both faculty and students, filling the venue with laughter.

The dinner featured a rich array of traditional Chinese dishes, including dumplings, rice cakes, and spring rolls, each symbolizing reunion and good fortune.

Sources: Official WeChat account of SUFE International Cultural Exchange School at "SHUPL-SICE", and chinadaily.com.cn