Recently, as the Northern Chinese "Little New Year" arrived with festive vibes filling the streets, the International College prepared an immersive Spring Festival cultural activity for over a hundred students staying on campus during the winter break. Li Ziwei, Associate Dean of the International College, along with several faculty representatives, gathered joyfully with international students. Using culture as a bridge, they shared stories of reunion, allowing students from various countries far from home to feel the warmth of family here at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) campus.
Exploring Spring Festival Traditions
The event kicked off in a warm and lively atmosphere. Teacher Li Jing first delivered an engaging cultural lecture on the Spring Festival, covering the origins of traditional customs, the significance of family reunion, the intergenerational spirit of the festival, and its modern-day celebrations. The lecture was well-structured and rich in content. It was cleverly interspersed with interactive elements such as Chinese language quizzes, recitations of ancient poems, and fun folk games, making the traditional culture both accessible and memorable through joyful learning.
Welcoming Spring with Craftsmanship
The diverse and engaging cultural activities proved to be a great hit. Associate Dean Li Ziwei, along with the teachers, provided patient guidance to the students, allowing everyone to personally explore a variety of traditional Spring Festival skills and immerse themselves in the charm of China's intangible cultural heritage.
With golden ink on red paper, spring couplets brought blessings. Holding brushes, the students dipped them in ink and practiced calligraphy, channeling their hopes for the new year into each stroke. A long line formed at the "Fu" character rubbing area, where participants carefully pressed rice paper and applied pigments, bringing the printed characters to life with the fresh scent of ink—each one symbolizing good fortune. Meanwhile, the Spring Festival handicraft and pitch-pot game sections were equally lively... One exquisite festive decoration after another gradually took shape in the students' hands, while cheers and applause rang out continuously from the game area.
Sharing New Year Traditions
During the event, international students from different countries sat together in a circle, sharing New Year customs from their hometowns. Some talked about their special New Year's Eve dinners, others described their New Year blessing ceremonies, and many shared their wishes for the coming year. "It wasn't until I came to China that I learned my zodiac sign is the Horse. In the Year of the Horse 2026, I want to work even harder." "Although I'm far from home, I've made new friends from all over the world here." "With the company of teachers and classmates, it feels like I've found a new family." These heartfelt sharings and empathetic exchanges allowed different cultures to meet and merge in this moment, making the atmosphere of togetherness even more profound.
Warm Winter Cheers
To ensure that students and staff staying on campus during the winter break could experience the joy of this traditional Chinese festival and the warmth of home, the college leadership and faculty representatives delivered heartwarming gift packages and New Year blessings on Little New Year's Day. They showed genuine care for the students' living arrangements and academic progress, reminding everyone to keep warm and stay safe. Additionally, they extended their greetings to the property management staff who would remain at their posts during the holiday period, ensuring that students staying on campus could enjoy a safe and peaceful Spring Festival. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious throughout.
Amidst waves of laughter and joy, the Spring Festival cultural activity came to a successful close. Group photos captured these warm moments, while the handcrafted traditional artworks carried the students' best wishes for the year ahead. The event not only brought the warmth of home to every participant but also allowed China's exquisite traditional culture to radiate new vitality through cross-cultural exchange.
As the Spring Festival approaches, the International College extends its warmest blessings to all NPU students from around the world—wishing you continued progress in your academic pursuits, and may the friendship between China and the wider world grow ever stronger and endure for years to come.
（Text: Li Dan, Zhang Weihong, Li Jing；Photos & Video: Nukaz, Yang Guang, Su Wen Editor: Li Fucai ;Reviewer: Li Ziwei; Translators: Li Yiwen; Mei Leyun)
