International Students Perform the Dragon Dance in Chinese New Year，and Experience the Essence of Chinese Culture

From February 12 to 14, 20 international students from our college participated in a series of activities celebrating the Chinese New Year in Fuzhou, Jiangxi, known as the hometown of Chinese talents. In Wenchangli in Fuzhou, the hometown of the famous dramatist of Ming Dynasty called Tang Xianzu, the students first began their journey of learning dragon dance. They not only learned the basic techniques of dragon dance under the guidance of dragon dance masters, but also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind it through firsthand experience.

On February 13, the “2024 Dragon and Lion Dance Competition” took place. The international students, participating with two dragons, showcased the dragon dance skills they had just learned. And they received interviews from various media outlets, expressing their honor and excitement to be part of such New Year activities and extending New Year greetings to everyone. The “2024 Dragon and Lion Dance Competition Award Ceremony and Hundred Dragons and Lions New Year Parade” on the evening of the 13th, brought the event to a climax. The team of Dreams of the Peony Pavilion of Wenchangli which included the international students, won the Most Popular Team Award. After the award ceremony, the students joined the grand parade, immersing themselves in the thick atmosphere of the Spring Festival and experiencing the charm of Chinese traditional culture.

During the activities, by watching the live performance of “Dreams of the Peony Pavilion”, the students enhanced their understanding of Chinese opera culture, and they also experienced traditional Chinese opera costumes dressing, getting a close look at the cultural essence of traditional Chinese opera costumes.

In addition, the students visited the Wenchangli Cultural and Historical District, which allowed they to appreciate the beauty of the ancient city and have the opportunity to interact closely with the locals, feeling their warmth and hospitality. After the activities，the international students said goodbye to the local people, and they were deeply impressed by the unique cultural experience.

Our college is committed to cultivating international ambassadors of knowing China, being friendly to China, and being close to China. This visit to Fuzhou provides a platform for international students to deeply understand and experience Chinese culture, enhances the cultural exchange and understanding between Chinese and foreign friends, and reflects the boundless boundaries of culture and the diverse integration of the world.