On November 22, coinciding with the "Minor Snow" solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, the city of Kazan, Russia, was already blanketed in white. Yet However, the classroom at the Kazan National Research Technical University（KNRTU-KAI）-Northwestern Polytechnical University（NPU）Chinese Language Center was filled with warmth as an event themed "China’s Intangible Heritage: The Beauty of Solar Terms" was in full swing.
Over twenty Russian students from the "1+1" dual master’s joint program between NPU and KNRTU-KAI, together with our dispatched teacher Zhang Qingqing, learned about solar term culture and prepared traditional festive food. The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Olga Silina, Dean of the Sino-Russian Engineering Institute. In a warm and joyful atmosphere, Chinese and international teachers and students gathered to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture together.
At the beginning of the event, Teacher Zhang first gave a brief introduction to the culture of the 24 solar terms, as well as the phenological characteristics and dietary customs associated with the "Minor Snow" period. She particularly highlighted the symbolism of reunion and warmth represented by dumplings. During the hands-on session, under the teacher's guidance, the students started from the basics—kneading the dough and rolling out the wrappers. Through their collective efforts, plates were soon filled with creatively shaped dumplings, each unique in form, and the room was filled with laughter and joyful conversations.
As steam billowed, the first batch of dumplings was freshly served. Dipping their handmade dumplings into a “mysterious sauce” from China, the students savored the fruits of their labor and couldn't stop praising the delicious flavors from the East.
“This is amazing! I used to think Chinese dumplings were similar to Russian pelmeni, but they taste completely different,” said Nikita, a Russian student majoring in Control Science and Engineering from the School of Automation Engineering, excitedly. “Today, I not only learned how to make dumplings but also discovered the beautiful solar term ‘Minor Snow.’ This brought me closer to China than any classroom lesson ever could.”
“Chinese dumplings are incredibly tasty!” shared Renata, a student in chemical and energy engineering, after trying them. “In Russia, we usually eat pelmeni with sour cream, but Chinese dumplings paired with chili oil and aromatic vinegar are a match made in heaven! The spicy and tangy flavors make them even more delicious. I love this taste!”
Dean Olga Silina, remarked: "The city of Kazan itself has a long-standing pasta culture. Hosting a dumpling-making event here represents a delightful exchange and dialogue between Chinese and Russian culinary traditions. Through this activity, Russian students were able to experience firsthand the art of harmony in Chinese food culture—not just through books, but through taste and hands-on practice."
As one of the "China's Intangible Heritage" series events, this activity was designed to help NPU students overseas perceive Chinese culture in an intuitive and immersive way through multi-sensory teaching methods—accessible through listening, observation, and hands-on practice—thereby sparking their enthusiasm for learning and spirit of practice. The International College will continue to diversify the range of activities at overseas teaching centers, striving to share China’s stories and convey China’s voice abroad, enabling Chinese wisdom to meet young minds around the world and ignite sparks of inspiration.
（Writers: Zhang Qingqing, Li Dan；Editors: Wang Xinyue；Reviewers: Li Ziwei；Translators:Li Yiwen，Mei Leyun）
