To enhance support services for international students in Haidian District and deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese culture and historical heritage, the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District People's Government organized a cultural experience event on February 19, 2026 (the third day of the Chinese New Year). More than 20 international students from countries including Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Myanmar, currently studying at Minzu University of China, were invited to visit Yuanmingyuan and participate in the "Prosperous Yuanmingyuan, A Garden Welcoming Spring" Chinese New Year Lantern Festival. The event allowed the students to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, experiencing the unique charm of traditional Chinese festivities.
That evening, with coordination from staff of the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District People's Government and support from Haidian Culture and Tourism Group, the international students strolled through the historic garden adorned with festive lanterns. They were captivated by the colorful lanterns of various shapes, each carrying auspicious meanings. They frequently paused to admire the displays, listening as staff shared the historical stories and cultural symbolism behind the lanterns, while gaining deeper insights into traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, as well as the unique significance of the "Loong" (Chinese dragon) motif. Amid the interplay of light and shadow, the ancient garden radiated renewed vitality, and the international students, immersed in a setting that blended tradition with modernity, developed a more intuitive and profound appreciation for the continuity and innovation of Chinese civilization.
"Yuanmingyuan itself is a symbol of cultural exchange between China and the West. Our international students have visited multiple times to participate in activities such as the Dragon Boat Festival races. Today, bringing them to the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival not only allows them to experience the festive and joyful atmosphere of the Spring Festival, but more importantly, through a walking classroom, it closely integrates Chinese history, traditional culture, and contemporary social development, enabling them to gain a deep understanding of the profound heritage of Chinese culture through immersive experiences," said Li E, Vice Dean of the College of International Education at Minzu University of China. She expressed gratitude to the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District People's Government for providing such a valuable opportunity for the students. This event also served as an important practice in fostering collaboration between the university and the local district, leveraging the strengths of multicultural integration, innovating the model of national education, and cultivating international talents who understand and are friendly toward China.
Yan Lin from the Central African Republic excitedly shared after the event: "This is my first time celebrating the Spring Festival in China, and also my first time visiting Yuanmingyuan at night. The lantern festival is absolutely beautiful! The lanterns adorned the ancient architecture, making it look like a fairy tale world. I saw the Chinese dragon, learned about the story of the Chinese zodiac, and even solved lantern riddles with my friends. This was not just an experience of viewing lanterns; it felt more like a journey through time and space. It allowed me to truly feel the vitality and charm of Chinese culture, and it deepened my connection to the Chinese history I had learned from textbooks."
This event served as a vivid example of the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District People's Government actively collaborating with regional universities to support international students in their daily life and studies in Haidian, while enhancing their cultural appreciation and sense of belonging. By leveraging the important traditional festival of the Spring Festival and offering a multi-dimensional immersive experience that integrated culture, festivities, and history, the event not only provided a warm platform for international students to celebrate the Chinese New Year, but also effectively promoted the international dissemination of China's outstanding traditional culture. It deepened the students' understanding and recognition of China's national conditions, social customs, and cultural heritage. Moving forward, the Foreign Affairs Office of Haidian District People's Government will continue to integrate regional resources and explore diverse forms of cultural exchange activities, helping international students become friendly ambassadors of cultural exchange and better integrate into their study and life in Haidian.
