As spring returns and the festive spirit fills the air, warmth and friendship gathered at Communication University of Zhejiang. On the afternoon of January 23, the first-floor hall of the Qiantang Campus cafeteria in Hangzhou was adorned with lanterns and decorations as the 2026 Spring Festival Gathering for international faculty and students was warmly held. Vice President Yao Zheng, Sun Baosheng, Member of the University Party Committee and Director of the Publicity Department, along with leaders from relevant departments and schools, joined international teachers, their families, and overseas students to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Horse and experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture together.
On behalf of the university, Yao Zheng extended sincere New Year wishes to all international faculty and students. He highly commended the dedication of international teachers in their teaching roles and the vitality international students bring to the campus’s multicultural environment. Referring to the symbolic meaning of the horse in Chinese culture, Yao noted that the horse represents progress, perseverance, and sincere friendship—qualities that mirror the bonds formed by teachers and students from around the world who have gathered at CUZ. He encouraged everyone to explore Hangzhou during the holiday and immerse themselves in the city’s festive atmosphere, wishing all a prosperous Year of the Horse filled with academic success and lasting friendship.
Sun Baosheng presented awards to students who excelled in the folk customs quiz. The quiz covered five lively questions, including how to paste the character “Fu,” the date of the Spring Festival, the meaning of lucky money, the order of the Chinese zodiac, and customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. The enthusiastic participation and quick responses deepened everyone’s understanding of traditional Chinese festival practices.
A folk customs fair energized the venue. Four interactive experience zones—pitch-pot (an ancient arrow-throwing game), “Fu” character rubbing, calligraphy writing of the “Fu” character, and Spring Festival couplet creation—attracted large crowds. Participants carefully threw arrows in the pitch-pot area to appreciate ancient banquet games; in the rubbing area, the scent of ink mixed with red paper as students created auspicious prints by hand; and in the calligraphy area, teachers and students practiced writing “Fu” and couplets, expressing their good wishes for the new year through each brushstroke.
The cultural performances were equally captivating. Russian student SHCHELKONOGOVA ALINA (Li Hua) delivered a heartfelt rendition of Ru Yuan; Myanmar student MYINT LI LI (Zhou Rang) performed an energetic dance full of youthful vitality; and Russian students SHULGA MIKHAIL (Miha) and KUDRIN VSEVOLOD (Seva), together with Li Hua and Uzbek student ABDIVAKHOBOV FARRUKHBEK (Farukh), presented a guitar sing-along that won warm applause from the audience.
A dumpling-making activity was also arranged. Chinese and international teachers and students formed teams to knead dough, roll wrappers, and prepare fillings, learning the cultural meaning behind “welcoming the new year with dumplings” through collaboration. As steaming dumplings were served, laughter and conversation filled the room, dispelling the winter chill and bringing everyone closer together.
The event concluded with smiles and a group photo capturing this warm moment of cross-cultural reunion. The Spring Festival Gathering not only demonstrated CUZ’s efforts to advance the “Four Highlands and One Brand” initiative and foster an international educational environment, but also served as a meaningful cultural exchange built through shared experience. Looking ahead, the university will continue to expand international cooperation and deepen mutual learning among civilizations, contributing CUZ’s strength to the cultivation of media professionals with both national pride and global vision.
