On January 10, the “My Spring Festival in Anhui (Hefei 2025)” Activity, hosted by the Anhui Provincial Foreign Affairs Office and other departments, took place at Luogang Park in Hefei. Invited to join the celebration, international students from USTC participated and enriched the event with their captivating performances, adding interactive charm and cultural vibrancy to the festivities.

Experiencing Anhui's Heritage: A Timeless Cultural Journey

At the beginning of the event, international students, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, toured the Anhui Garden. They marveled at the grand Anhui archways, the intricate structure of the horse-head walls, the melodious strains of Huangmei Opera, and the lifelike “Welcoming Pine” sculptures. Each step revealed a new scene, narrating a story of millennia-old heritage intertwined with modern vitality, immersing the students in the profound beauty and sophistication of traditional Chinese culture.

Immersed in Festive Traditions and Tastes

At the Hefei Garden Expo Plaza, vibrant displays of dragon and lion dances, flower boat parades, and other traditional New Year customs filled the air with festive cheer. International students enthusiastically joined the celebrations alongside friends from various countries. They also explored intangible cultural heritage booths, where they tried paper-cutting, calligraphy, paper flip flower and carving. Sampling the signature delicacies of “Delicious Anhui,” they enjoyed the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

A Musical Tribute to Friendship

During the stage performances, USTC international students delivered a poetic recital in Chinese and presented the classic song Friends in six languages (Chinese, English, Khmer, Indonesian, Hindi, and Sindhi). Their heartfelt rendition transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, weaving a narrative of camaraderie and warmth. The touching melodies brought to life the timeless sentiment of “true friendship knows no distance,” moving the audience and elevating the event to its climax.

Bridging Cultures and Embracing Diversity

The “My Spring Festival in Anhui” event not only showcased the talents and charisma of USTC’s international students but also provided them with an opportunity to delve deeper into the essence of Chinese traditional culture and the unique charm of the Chinese New Year. Through cultural exchanges, sparks of friendship were kindled, writing a new chapter of shared heritage and innovation, and adding a distinctive touch of warmth and joy to the upcoming Spring Festival.