To promote excellent traditional Chinese culture, enrich the campus cultural life of international students, and allow them to experience the charm of Chinese traditional festivals up close, the College of International Exchange held the “Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chinese New Year” – Shandong University of Science and Technology International Student Lantern Festival Cultural Experience Activity on March 2nd. More than 20 international students from eight countries, including Germany, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Morocco, Chad, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda, gathered together to listen to folklore, make sweet dumplings (Tangyuan), and craft fish-shaped lanterns, experiencing the rich atmosphere of Chinese New Year amidst laughter and joy.

The activity began with a vivid explanation by a teacher about the origins, traditional customs, and cultural connotations of the Lantern Festival, helping international students gain a comprehensive understanding of this traditional Chinese festival symbolizing reunion and good fortune. The students listened attentively and interacted actively, deepening their understanding of the “reunion” culture through questions and answers.

Subsequently, under the teacher’s demonstration and guidance, the international students gathered around tables, kneading dough, preparing fillings, and rolling small balls to create soft, sweet, and delicious Tangyuan with their own hands. Starting from clumsy attempts to skilled operations, one by one, round and full Tangyuan took shape, filling the scene with a warm and joyful atmosphere. The activity reached its climax with the crafting of intangible cultural heritage fish-shaped lanterns. As a traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage skill, fish lanterns symbolize “abundance year after year” (surplus year after year). Under the teacher’s step-by-step guidance, the students transformed ordinary materials into exquisite and lively fish-shaped lanterns, experiencing the ingenuity and charm of intangible cultural heritage through hands-on craft.

This activity combined knowledge explanation with practical experience, allowing international students to feel the profound heritage and unique charm of traditional Chinese culture through immersive participation, enhancing their recognition and fondness for Chinese culture. Philip, a student from Germany, expressed, “This is my first time celebrating the Lantern Festival in China. I ate Tangyuan and learned to make fish lanterns. I love Chinese traditional culture!” (Contributors: Yu Yingyuan, Xuan Jiyuan)