On January 21, as the Chinese Little New Year approached, our college meticulously organized a unique Spring Festival celebration for over 40 international students staying on campus during the winter vacation. Tao Dawei, Member of the Party Committee and Vice President, and relevant teachers from the School of Overseas Education attended the event.

At the beginning of the event, Tao Dawei extended New Year greetings to the international students. He encouraged them to study hard and enjoy their lives during their time at Changzhou College of Information Technology (CCIT), striving to become goodwill ambassadors for cultural exchange between China and foreign countries. The international students expressed their gratitude to the CCIT family for its care and support.

Subsequently, teachers from the School of Overseas Education introduced customs and culture related to the Chinese Spring Festival, such as zodiac legends and traditional foods, to the students. They then led everyone in a “Fu” character rubbing activity, allowing international students to gain a hands-on experience of the charm of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Under their teacher's guidance, international students created a series of exquisite characters and patterns by Chinese Rubbing (the ancient printing technology) onto red paper (a traditional Chinese material symbolizing luck). Through this process, they not only learned the techniques of traditional Chinese craftsmanship but also deeply appreciated the Chinese people’s yearning and pursuit of a better life.

The dumpling-making activity became one of the liveliest highlights of the event. Guided by canteen staff, international students eagerly rolled up their sleeves to try their hand at making dumplings. Every step, from filling the wrappers, pinching them shut, to arranging the dumplings, was filled with fun and gentle challenges. Though their techniques were still unpolished, the sheer joy and sense of accomplishment kept them fully engaged. In the end, plates of dumplings in all shapes and sizes, colorful, aromatic, and appetizing, were laid out. The students gathered around, savoring the dumplings they had made with their own hands, and truly immersing themselves in the unique “Spring Festival flavor”.

Through this Spring Festival welcoming event, international students not only embraced their first Spring Festival experience infused with intangible cultural heritage but also deeply immersed themselves in the traditional customs and cultural charm of the Chinese New Year. More importantly, they felt the sincere care and warmth from the university, which further promoted profound cultural integration and mutual understanding between China and foreign countries.