On the afternoon of March 11th, the International Cultural Exchange School building was filled with joy and vitality as the 2025 Spring Semester "Welcome New Students Carnival" was held there. Themed "A World of Harmony, Beauty Shared by All," the event successfully attracted over a hundred international students from more than 40 countries around the world. It provided a platform for Chinese and international students to explore together the unique aesthetics in traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage and folk games.
Notably, the volunteer team for this event was composed of Chinese and international graduate students in International Chinese Education and preparatory international students. They actively embraced the concept of integration between Chinese and international cultures, contributing to the smooth running of the event. With the guidance of the volunteers on-site, the atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter and cheers in every area.
The activities at the "Welcome New Students Carnival" were diverse and covered multiple categories. The language-related activities were particularly engaging. "Pictionary" tested the rapport and language comprehension between Chinese and international students. "Tongue Twisters" allowed international students to experience the phonetic beauty of the Chinese language through fun challenges. Singing Chinese songs like "Mo Li Hua" and "Tian Mi Mi" as well as learning Shanghainese, immersed the international students in the charm of the Chinese language.
The cultural area served as a window to display traditional Chinese art. At the calligraphy tables, international students picked up brushes and appreciated the essence of Chinese characters through every stroke. In front of intangible cultural heritage skills such as lacquer fans, sugar paintings, and mother-of-pearl inlay, everyone was deeply attracted by the exquisite craftsmanship, often expressing admiration. Participating in the making process themselves brought them great satisfaction.
The sports activities were equally exciting. Tai Chi demonstrated the profoundness of traditional Chinese martial arts with every move. Activities like shuttlecock kicking, rubber band jumping, and ping-pong ball clamping allowed international students to enjoy the fun of Chinese folk sports. Dole, an international student from Guinea-Bissau, not only showcased his agility but also vividly introduced unique African ways of playing. He said with a smile, "It's so interesting that African and Chinese childhood games are so similar !"
游
园
会
世界大同
美美与共
The gaming area was bustling with excitement. Traditional games such as arrow throwing, ring tossing, fishing, and sandbag throwing were enjoyed immensely by the international students. Additionally, NPCs dressed in ancient Chinese costumes mingled with the crowd, randomly quizzing international students on Chinese cultural knowledge, such as "What is the longest river in China?" and "What are some customs during the Chinese Spring Festival?" Students who answered correctly received a candied haw as a reward. This interactive segment not only added fun but also cleverly disseminated Chinese culture.
Through this "Welcome New Students Carnival," international students not only made new friends in a joyful atmosphere but also quickly integrated into the campus life of SUFE, officially beginning their exciting journey of studying in China. The successful hosting of this event further promoted the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, allowing world cultures to shine brightly within the campus.
