To welcome the Year of the Horse in 2026 and enrich the cultural experience of international students in China, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) hosted a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration on Feb 6 at its Zhongguancun and Liangxiang campuses in Beijing.

The event brought together students from various countries to enjoy performances, games and traditional Chinese cuisine, all showcasing the unique charm of the Chinese New Year.

The celebration featured a variety of cultural performances. Indonesian students delivered a Chinese poetry recital titled Ying Chun Ge, filled with the joy of the New Year, while a Moroccan student captivated the audience with a rendition of Hou Lai.

Traditional activities such as calligraphy, fun character tracing and paper-cutting were particularly popular among the students. Guided by teachers, international students picked up brushes to write the character "fu" (meaning "blessing") and crafted various New Year designs, capturing the beauty of the festive season.

Engaging New Year-themed games further enlivened the atmosphere, as students took turns sharing festive greetings, filling the room with laughter and joy.

The students also learned to make and cook dumplings, with the steaming hot dumplings adding to the festive spirit as they were served. Participants enjoyed traditional treats like candied hawthorns and dumplings, savoring the sweet and tangy flavors amidst an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

This event not only provided international students with an immersive experience of Chinese New Year customs but also built a cultural bridge, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. The celebration, transcending geographical boundaries, offered the students a sense of home and enriched the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.