International students embrace Chinese Mid-Autumn traditions

A group of international students from Ningbo University participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration with locals. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A special event brought together international students at Ningbo University from Morocco, Yemen, and beyond to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept 17 this year, through cultural immersion on Sept 11.

The event, co-organized by the university’s Business School and Pan Tianshou College of Architecture and Design, was part of the "Walking Cultural Classroom" series.

The event kicked off with a showcase of paintings themed around the festival, followed by a captivating performance of "Memories of Mid-Autumn Festival". Dressed in traditional hanfu, actors transported audiences to a bygone era, immersing them in the essence of Mid-Autumn traditions. The subsequent lantern riddle contest ignited excitement among participants, who cheered for the actors' vibrant performances.

International students make mooncakes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The highlight came when students, guided by baking instructor Fan Chuyue, crafted mooncakes adorned with rabbit motifs. Bangladeshi architecture student Hossain Amzad marveled at his creation, describing it as "chewy and delicious", and posed for photos with his fellow students, savoring their handiwork.

Safae Fellahi, a Moroccan business management student, said that while Morocco doesn't celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, the festivities reminded her of Eid al-Adha, when families gather for feasts and festivities.

The "Walking Cultural Classroom" series, launched in 2023 by the business school, aims to deepen international students' understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture through diverse cross-cultural activities. Nearly 10 sessions have attracted over 100 students from 15 countries, exposing them to intangible cultural heritage, farming experiences, tourism, and cultural lectures.

International students learn to paint the iconic Chinese Mid-Autumn image of a jade rabbit. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]