Bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, international students at our university actively participated in 12 Chinese cultural experience and Spring Festival celebration activities during the winter break. From the banks of the Gan River to the foothills of Jinggang Mountains, from ancient village traditions to urban festivities, they explored Jiangxi province while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year.
At the beginning of the winter vacation, the students embarked on their Chinese cultural journey. In Yingtan city, they engaged in Welcoming the Year of the Horse themed exchange activities, experiencing the approaching festive spirit. In Ganjiang New Area, students visited four new media training bases for digital marketing practice, gaining systematic understanding of China's new media ecosystem and operational models. Fifteen outstanding students participated in a 15-day Chinese + New Media training program to enhance their ability to tell Chinese stories. In Chaisang District, Jiujiang city, the students explored the karst wonders of Yongquan Cave, visited the Stamp Museum, and experienced the making of Yongquan oil noodles, a local intangible cultural heritage food, experiencing the unique charm of Jiangxi regional culture.
During the Spring Festival period, the students attended the Longevity Banquet in Anyi Ancient Village, Nanchang city, gathering around tables to taste traditional New Year dishes, experiencing the warmth of family and the Chinese culture of harmony through the reunion dinner. In Yongquan Township, Chaisang District, Jiujiang city, they personally swung mallets to make traditional glutinous rice cakes, pounding out the flavor of the New Year through their labor. The students visited Shenshan Village in Jinggang Mountains, witnessing the tremendous changes and vibrant vitality brought by rural revitalization strategy; they went to the Nanchang Hongcheng Grand Market Spring Festival Fair, wandering through the bustling market to immerse themselves in the customs and joys of purchasing New Year goods; they strolled through the Wan Palace historical and cultural district, exploring and tasting authentic Nanchang festival snacks such as sugar cakes and thick soup, learning to make horse-themed lanterns, and experiencing basic dragon dance techniques.
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, accompanied by the main responsible persons from the International Education College, the students ascended the Greenland Twin Towers, looking up at the brilliant fireworks in the night sky, making wishes for the new year amidst the splendid light display. On the Lantern Festival, ten students visited Qingyunpu District to guess lantern riddles and taste sweet dumplings, celebrating the reunion festival joyfully together.
This series of diverse and enriching winter vacation activities not only allowed international students to immersively experience the strong atmosphere of Chinese New Year but also deepened their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture through practice and exploration. The students expressed that this winter break was fulfilling and unforgettable, and they are willing to serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing their experiences and insights with more people, contributing to the enhancement of Sino-foreign friendly exchanges.
