On February 2, 2024, the School of International Studies (SIS) at Peking University held its 2024 Spring Festival Tea Party under the theme “Welcoming the Year of the Dragon with Prosperity and Renewal.” Festive couplets, handwritten “Fu” (fortune) characters by faculty and students, and New Year’s gift boxes filled with blessings created a strong holiday atmosphere across the School. Dean Tang Shiqi, Party Secretary Kang Tao, Deputy Party Secretary Zhang Xinyang, Youth League Secretary Li Ruixuan, and other faculty joined Chinese and international students to celebrate the Little New Year, warmly welcoming the coming of spring and embarking together on a new journey in the year ahead.

Festive Atmosphere

The venue was thoughtfully arranged with traditional cultural activities such as writing Spring Festival couplets and “Fu” characters. Chinese students introduced international classmates to Spring Festival traditions, and together they created couplets, wrote “Fu” characters, and exchanged New Year’s wishes. International students from seven different countries participated in the event. Many shared that it was their first time experiencing the Spring Festival in such an authentic setting since coming to China, making it an unforgettable memory.

Exchange of Blessings

At the tea party, Prof. Tang Shiqi extended holiday greetings on behalf of the School, wishing all students good health, success in their studies, fulfillment in life, and the perseverance to realize their dreams in the new year. Kang Tao emphasized that SIS serves as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, encouraging students to cherish their time at SIS and to contribute to mutual learning between Chinese and world civilizations.

Teachers and students enjoyed dumplings together, shared winter break stories, and exchanged laughter throughout the event. Some Chinese students introduced the origin of the Little New Year, while others explained the flavors, history, and cultural significance of dumplings. International students eagerly joined in the discussions, remarking that spending the Little New Year with the SIS family made them feel warmly welcomed in a foreign land. They also expressed their excitement to take part in more cross-cultural exchange activities in the future.

Building Bridges of Friendship

The Spring Festival Tea Party not only offered international and Chinese students a memorable cultural experience of China’s most important traditional holiday, but also provided a meaningful platform for cross-cultural dialogue. It is hoped that through such activities, students will continue to feel the spirit and vitality of SIS at Peking University, and grow into SIS scholars with both a global vision and a deep affection for China.

Written by: Li Ruixuan
Photo by: Wang Bo
Edited by: Zhang Xinyang