My Chinese New Year: Chat & Chill International Students’ Spring Festival Gala Dialogue

I. Event Overview

·Date: February 1, 2026

·Time: 3:00 PM

·Venue: Room 1208, Block B, Yuhui Building, Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing

·Target Participants: International students from diverse countries currently studying in China

·Preparations: Interactive cultural materials (Fu blessing characters, Spring Festival couplet paper, brushes, and templates) and traditional New Year-themed refreshments (candies and festive snacks).

II. Core Objectives

This event is designed to meet the cultural and experiential needs of international students in China by immersing them in the traditions of the Chinese Spring Festival. Anchored in the festive spirit of the Year of the Horse (2026), the dialogue encourages participants to share personal experiences, cultural observations, and unique insights gained while celebrating the Chinese New Year in China.

Through comparative dialogue on Chinese and foreign New Year customs, the event seeks to:

l ·Deepen appreciation of the folk traditions, familial warmth, and cultural symbolism of the Spring Festival.

l ·Strengthen cross-cultural communication, empathy, and intercultural competence.

l ·Empower participants to serve as cultural ambassadors, fostering mutual understanding between Chinese and international communities.

l Ultimately, the stories and exchanges shared during the gala aim to create a meaningful bond that connects diverse cultural perspectives and enhances recognition and affection for traditional Chinese culture among international friends.

III. Event Process and Core Discussion Themes

(I) My First Chinese New Year Experience – Feelings and Customs

1. ·What aspects of your first Spring Festival in China felt most novel or memorable?

2. ·Which decorations (e.g., red lanterns, couplets, Chinese knots) impressed you most, and how did they shape your perception of the festive atmosphere?

3. ·Have you received red envelopes (hongbao)? How did this tradition make you feel—surprised, welcomed, or touched?

(II) Discovering the “Flavor” of New Year – Food and Activities

1. ·Which traditional Spring Festival foods (dumplings, rice cakes, candies, nuts) left the strongest impression on you?

2. ·Have you participated in cultural activities such as lantern shows, the televised Spring Festival Gala, or temple fairs? Which resonated most with you?

3. ·How do food and activities during the New Year in your home country compare with those in China?

(III) Sharing New Year Stories – Experiences and Connections

1. ·Did you encounter any humorous or heartwarming moments while celebrating Spring Festival in China?

2. ·Have you celebrated with Chinese friends, teachers, or neighbors? What memorable experiences stand out?

3. ·What are the most striking differences between the Chinese Spring Festival and New Year traditions in your home country (e.g., atmosphere, customs, food)?

(IV) New Year Wishes – Aspirations and Blessings

1. ·What cultural activities would you like to try during the next Spring Festival (e.g., writing Fu characters, making dumplings, dragon and lion dances, flower markets)?

2. ·As 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, what wishes or blessings would you like to share with the group?

3. ·Which Spring Festival traditions or foods would you recommend to your family and friends back home, and why?

IV. Conclusion

The “My Chinese New Year: Chat & Chill” dialogue offers international students a platform to engage deeply with Chinese traditions while reflecting on their own cultural practices. By fostering storytelling, cultural comparison, and shared aspirations, the event strengthens intercultural bonds and enhances global appreciation of the Spring Festival as a living tradition of joy, family, and cultural continuity.