About 40 international students from about 20 countries at Shanghai University engaged in a traditional Chinese New Year-themed experience in the Mingzhitang Chinese Character Brick Exhibition Hall, located in Shanghai's Jiading district, on Feb 3.

The event, organized by Jiading's Juyuan new district, aimed to enhance cross-cultural exchange and offer international students a firsthand experience of the festive atmosphere surrounding the Year of the Horse, as well as the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

The event kicked off with a lion dance performance. Students were captivated by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums as they watched lions of different colors leap and dance. Many applauded and captured the exciting moment on their phones.

The students then visited the Mingzhitang Chinese Character Brick Exhibition Hall, the largest specialized exhibition hall of its kind in China. They observed various ancient bricks from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and touched the historical imprints left on the stones, perceiving firsthand the depth of Chinese civilization while gaining a deeper understanding of the evolution of Chinese characters.

The event also featured a cultural experience segment. Students engaged in cultural activities featuring rubbing art techniques, handmade dumpling wrapping, traditional paper-cutting, sugar painting, Spring Festival couplet making, "福" (fortune) character calligraphy, and dragon dance. These activities provided a fun, immersive way to explore the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year.

Student reflections

Anna-Maija, from Finland:

"What a delightful afternoon we spent discovering Chinese customs and culture! Thank you to Shanghai University for organizing such an engaging event. Our bus full of international students was welcomed by joyful lion dance. We had the opportunity to learn the stories carved into stones, make dumplings, experience how the carved images were transferred onto Xuan paper using Chinese ink, and enjoy the New Year blessings of calligraphy masters, which we took home along with our dumplings."

Hira Ali, from Pakistan:

"As a student at Shanghai University, I have previously had the privilege of taking part in Chinese New Year celebrations. With each passing year, the experience grows more memorable. I appreciate the university's efforts to welcome international students and give us the opportunity to engage with Chinese culture."

Mohammad Shahinur Karim, from Bangladesh:

"Thank you for the incredible opportunity to experience the Chinese cultural festival. The ancient stones and sculptures, performances, and warm hospitality made it an unforgettable and deeply meaningful cultural experience. I sincerely appreciate the invitation and the organizers' hard work in creating such a wonderful event."

Ayano Ayano Gudano, from Ethiopia:

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Spring Festival Celebration, which focused on traditional workshops. Aside from learning about impressive cultural traditions, we also had the chance to draw, prepare food, and try out lion dancing, all of which created unforgettable memories. Participating in activities with international students deepened our sense of community. Chinese cultural heritage reminded me of the perseverance, hard work, unity, and struggle the people of the past had to go through to reach our current level of development. What may appear simple at first glance actually conveys profound and meaningful insights into Chinese life. Thank you again to the event organizers."

Source: Official WeChat account of SHU College of International Education (ID: "StudyatSHU")