On the morning of December 21, 2025, the International Education School successfully held the "Winter Solstice Warms Central South, Gathering of Hearts Awaits Spring's Return" cultural experience event at Wanghu Canteen, allowing international students from all over the world to closely experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese festivals. As winter deepens and days grow shorter, the Winter Solstice, an important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, not only carries the ancient wisdom of the Chinese nation in "counting the nine days to start anew" but also embodies the warmth of family reunion and togetherness in "gathering around the stove to share a meal".
The event kicked off at 9 a.m. in a warm and lively atmosphere. International students from various countries, along with Chinese students and teachers, gathered together, and the venue was filled with laughter and joy. At the beginning, the host briefly introduced the origin, historical background, and related customs of the Winter Solstice in both Chinese and English, such as the saying "Winter Solstice is as important as the New Year", the custom of drawing the "99-day Winter Solstice Calendar", and the differences in winter solstice food between the north and south of China, which aroused great interest among the international students.
The highlight of the event was the "Tasting Winter Solstice Dumplings" experience session. The Bridge+ volunteer service team for international students had prepared dumpling wrappers and fillings in advance. Under the careful demonstration and assistance of volunteers and Chinese students, the international students enthusiastically learned how to make dumplings. From initial unfamiliarity to gradually becoming proficient, variously shaped dumplings were created in their hands, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Many international students were making dumplings by hand for the first time, not only experiencing the joy of hands-on work but also feeling the beauty of family reunion and blessings contained in Chinese food culture during the process.
This "Winter Solstice Warms Central South, Gathering of Hearts Awaits Spring's Return" event, using the solar term as a bridge and food as a medium, not only opened a new window for international students to understand Chinese traditional culture but also provided a relaxed and pleasant communication platform for Chinese and international students, effectively enhancing mutual friendship and understanding. In the cold end of the year, this gathering full of warmth and the aroma of food made everyone look forward to the return of spring together, vividly interpreting the open, inclusive, and harmonious campus cultural atmosphere of our school.
