Part 01: Fudong Road Campus

Kazakhstani students studying Chinese at the Fudong Road Campus attended a “Winter Solstice special class” — learning how to make dumplings. Guided patiently by Chinese teachers, they followed each step carefully: kneading dough, rolling wrappers, mixing fillings and pinching folds. At first, students showed a mix of curiosity and uncertainty — too much filling here, uneven folds there — but their enthusiasm never waned. They laughed, imitated one another, and playfully compared their creations, filling the classroom with joy.

With each attempt, the students gradually mastered the skills, and their dumplings began to take better shape. When steaming plates of dumplings were served, everyone gathered around to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The tender wrappers and savory fillings drew smiles and praise from everyone present. Bowls of hot dumplings not only warmed their stomachs but also brought them closer to Chinese culture. 

Part 02: Oujiangkou Campus

South African students majoring in Industrial Robot Technology teamed up with Chinese students from the School of Optoelectronic Manufacturing for an immersive Winter Solstice experience. During the dumpling-making session, the Chinese students acted as “little teachers,” demonstrating how to shape the classic Yuanbao-shaped dumplings, inspired by ancient ingots and symbolizing wealth and good fortune. In return, the South African students shared their own culinary traditions and crafted dumplings shaped like full moons, creating a lively atmosphere of cross-cultural exchange.

The subsequent “Learn Chinese and Write Couplets” session proved even more engaging. Chinese students explained in English the saying “The Winter Solstice is as important as the New Year” and taught auspicious phrases such as “Happy Winter Solstice” and “Five Blessings to Your Door”. Holding writing brushes, the South African students carefully copied the couplets on red paper, stroke by stroke. Although their brushwork was a bit unrefined, every character carried warm wishes for the festival. “I’m going to paste my couplets on my dormitory door to bring good luck!” one excited South African student said. Surrounded by the fragrance of ink and paper, they deepened their understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

At another venue on the same campus, Kazakhstani students majoring in Software Technology, international students from International Economics and Trade program, and Chinese students from the School of Artificial Intelligence gathered together, exploring various ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice. The dumpling-making area buzzed with energy: some rolled wrappers, others prepared fillings or folded dumplings, with each country’s dumpling style, adding unique flavor to the scene. The Chinese-language challenge area was equally lively. The phrase “Happy Winter Solstice” became the hit of the day. Chinese students slowed down their speech, broke down the pronunciation, and patiently guided their international peers through repeated practice, friendly corrections and bursts of applause. Those who could be the first to say the phrase accurately and fluently won a small prize, and plenty of cheers as well. The winners proudly shared their rewards with peers, spreading both laughter and warmth. 

The greeting “Happy Winter Solstice” signifies not only an exchange of languages but also a connection of hearts. A bowl of hot dumplings and a skewer of candied haws bring delight not only to the taste buds but also to the spirit, carrying a sense of cross-cultural warmth. The Winter Solstice is a festival of reunion and, even more, an opportunity for cultural exchange. This year’s celebration allowed international students to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese festivals through personal participation and to deepen their friendship with Chinese teachers and classmates through interaction and collaboration. Without complicated procedures, the event embraced an down-to-earth approach, encouraging international students to learn Chinese expressions through hands-on practice, to understand the festival’s meaning through sharing food, and to build genuine friendship through cooperation. Languages may have boundaries, but warmth and laughter know no limits. May this cross-border friendship shine like the gentle sun of the Winter Solstice, dispelling the cold, illuminating every student’s academic journey, and filling each chapter of their study abroad experience with warmth and joy.