The Winter Solstice, one of the "24 solar terms" in the Chinese lunar calendar, carries the beautiful symbolism of "reunion". To honor this enduring tradition and to deepen international students' understanding of Chinese festivals, the Youth League Committee of Wuhan University's General Affairs and Logistics Department organized a special dumpling-making event on December 19.

This cultural exchange brought together both international and Chinese students to celebrate the festival, where they experienced the profound charm of Chinese culture and the warmth of togetherness.

The dining hall prepared everything needed for the activity: dumpling wrappers, fillings, and tools, ensuring every participant could enjoy the process. Students from the School of Chinese Classics began by introducing the historical origins and cultural significance of the Winter Solstice, along with the role of dumplings in traditional customs. This engaging introduction gave participants a deeper appreciation of the festival before they dived into the hands-on experience.

Next, a lively dumpling-making tutorial ensued. Chinese students patiently guided their international peers, demonstrating techniques for handling dumpling wrappers, adding the right amount of filling, and pinching folds. The room buzzed with laughter as participants practiced. While some international students were initially unfamiliar with the process, they soon mastered the art with guidance, even creating dumplings of various shapes and styles.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a cultural experience area in the dining hall showcased traditional Chinese arts such as the guqin (Chinese zither), tea art, and calligraphy. Members of the guqin society performed enchanting melodies, the soothing music blending seamlessly with the aroma of dumplings. The scene evoked a poetic and classical ambiance, enriching the cultural immersion.

A Chinese student plays the guqin, a traditional Chinese zither, during the dumpling-making event at Wuhan University on December 19.

As plates of steaming dumplings were served, students of diverse backgrounds gathered to savor their handmade creations. In that moment, differences in skin color and cultural background faded, replaced by a shared sense of connection and friendship.

An official from the General Affairs and Logistics Department said, "This event is not only a way to celebrate the Winter Solstice but also an opportunity for cultural exchange. We hope it helps international students to experience the warmth of Chinese traditions and to build meaningful connections with their Chinese peers."