Celebrating Culture: Tianjin University Rings in Lunar New Year with Festive Events

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Tianjin University has launched a series of vibrant celebrations to bring warmth and joy to students and staff remaining on campus during the holiday season.

On January 22, the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, teachers and students gathered at the one-stop student community hub to celebrate the Little New Year, marking the official start of the Spring Festival festivities. The venues were adorned with traditional Chinese decorations, including Tianjin-style paper cuts, lanterns, and red "Fu" characters symbolizing good luck, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. Tables were filled with traditional treats such as candied fruits, nuts, and drinks. Faculty members, mentors, advisors, and even property service staff joined students in festive activities, including dumpling-making, rice ball rolling, paper-cutting, New Year woodblock printing, and calligraphy writing, filling the air with laughter and holiday cheer.

That same day, international students from 16 countries enjoyed a cultural excursion to Yangliuqing Town in Tianjin’s Xiqing District, renowned for its rich folk culture and traditions. The students visited the Huo Qingyou New Year Painting Museum, where Huo Qingyou, a master of Yangliuqing woodblock prints, introduced the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the art. Enthralled by the intricate designs and rich heritage, the international students eagerly tried their hand at creating their own prints under the artisans' guidance. Chua Jia Ying, a student from Malaysia, shared her excitement: “This is my first time making a New Year print, and I hope to explore more Chinese traditions in the future!”

The group also visited the Yangliuqing Paper-Cutting Museum, where they explored the history and intricate techniques behind this delicate traditional art form. Inspired by the masterful demonstrations, the students crafted their own paper-cutting designs. “This is exquisite art!” exclaimed Ravanov Eldar, a student from Azerbaijan. “We not only learned the techniques but also the fascinating stories behind this centuries-old tradition.”

On January 23, the Weijin Road Campus dining hall was transformed into a lively celebration venue as 50 international students from 25 countries gathered to mark the Little New Year. Together, they wrote Spring Festival couplets, crafted New Year prints, and made dumplings, fully immersing themselves in the warmth and joy of Chinese traditions. Jin Xuan, Party Secretary of the School of International Education, extended New Year greetings to the students and encouraged them to embrace opportunities to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. The event featured performances where international students showcased their talents, from calligraphy to singing, while capturing memorable moments through photos and collaborative activities.

Through these celebrations, Tianjin University ensures that students remaining on campus experience a joyful, warm, and culturally rich Lunar New Year, fostering a deep sense of community and belonging.

By Eva Yin