International students at East China Normal University (ECNU) celebrate the Spring Festival by guessing lantern riddles. Photo: Chen Xia/GT
At East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, a group of international students gathered to celebrate the Spring Festival, immersing themselves in traditional Chinese customs. They wrote the Chinese character "fu," meaning fortune, kicked shuttlecocks, made paper cuttings, and enjoyed a festive reunion dinner. Laughter filled the air as they exclaimed, "The Spring Festival is so lively!"
Despite being away from home, these international students found their cultural experience broadened, feeling the warmth of Chinese traditions. The year 2025 marks the first Spring Festival since its inclusion on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization（UNESCO）Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Embracing traditional values
Lytsina Viktoryia from Belarus, who is majoring in Chinese international education, has been studying at East China Normal University (ECNU) for about a year and a half. She was excited to participate in various events organized by the school, which provided her with wonderful opportunities to immerse herself in Chinese culture.
UNESCO's recognition of the Spring Festival as an intangible cultural heritage event has enhanced its international recognition, helping more people appreciate Chinese culture and traditions, Viktoryia told the Global Times. "I believe this reflects a respect for and affirmation of Chinese culture," she said.
Roman Terentyev, a student from Kazakhstan majoring in business Chinese at ECNU, has been studying in China for about six years. He told the Global Times that he has known about the Spring Festival since childhood. "The UNESCO inscription of the Spring Festival on the intangible cultural heritage list can inspire the younger generation to pay attention to traditional values," Terentyev said.
He emphasized the importance of young people gaining a deeper understanding of traditional customs.
During the Spring Festival, the streets of Shanghai usually become less crowded as many people return home to reunite with their families. Students at ECNU participate in various activities to experience the warmth and festive atmosphere of the holiday.
Having dinner together made them feel like a family. "It was so cozy, comfortable, and friendly," Terentyev said.
Merdan Soyunov, a language student from Turkmenistan at ECNU, told the Global Times that he hopes to visit other Chinese cities to experience the Spring Festival from different perspectives.
International students at East China Normal University (ECNU) participate in a Spring Festival celebration event. Photo: Chen Xia/GT
Source: Global Times
Editor: Wicky
