On September 14th, Chinese International Education College (Overseas Education College) held a cultural experience event at Xiang’an campus to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Over 100 new students from China and abroad joined in, immersing themselves in the festival’s rich cultural significance and traditions.
During the art performance, Cai Shunming and Lin Ling from Malaysia, Na Jie from Afghanistan, Hao Xuanyi from Nigeria, and Wang Shuai from China recited the classic poem Prelude to Water Melody. Their heartfelt recitation beautifully conveyed warm wishes for the festival. Following that, Anne from Russia and Wang Minglu from Belarus dazzled the audience with a captivating dance, their graceful movements and enthusiasm reflecting a profound admiration for Chinese culture.
Later, Ms. Deng Juan gave an engaging introduction to the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the significance of mooncakes as a symbol of reunion. She also highlighted Fujian’s unique annual event bobing, a traditional dice game recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. Legend has it that this game, blending the thrill of competition with the desire for family reunion, was invented by the army general Zheng Chenggong of the Ming Dynasty to comfort his homesick soldiers during battle breaks around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Gathered in a circle, the students throwed the dice and vied for the title of zhuangyuan (champion), filling the air with both tension and laughter. Amid the cheerful atmosphere, they engaged in lively discussions and indulged themselves in the unique charm of Chinese culture.
Hao Xuanyi from Nigeria shared, “I’m really happy to celebrate this festival. Back in my home country, I only got to learn about the festival through books, but I had never had the chance to experience it firsthand. It’s so much fun, especially bobing! The festival isn’t just a traditional holiday; it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring people closer.” Guo Dan, a graduate student from the class of 2024, added, “bobing left a deep impression on me. As we throwed the dice and competed for the top spot, I felt both nervous and excited. The event not only introduced me to fascinating traditional customs but also helped me connect with my classmates. I made many international friends!”
This cultural experience event for the Mid-Autumn Festival has not only enriched the new students’ campus life but also guided them to explore the profundity of Chinese culture.
Source: Chinese International Education College/ Overseas Education College
