On the afternoon of March 3, 2026, the One-Stop International Student Community Service Center at Zhejiang University hosted a vibrant Lantern Festival celebration in the lobby of the International Students Dormitory (Zijingang Campus, West District). Centered around the themes of experiencing folk culture and promoting cross-cultural communication, the event featured two main activities: making glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) by hand and solving festive riddles. It attracted over 30 international students from countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

During the session of making tangyuan, staff had prepared fresh ingredients and explained the process step by step. Students gathered around the tables, learning by doing: kneading the dough, rolling it into balls, and filling them with sweet stuffing. Through mutual help and shared laughter, they gradually unlocked the secrets of this traditional Chinese delicacy. Though the Tangyuan they crafted varied in shape and size, each one embodied a wish for reunion and a better life. When the steaming sweet dumplings were finally served, the air filled with their inviting aroma, and the room buzzed with joy and warmth.

The session of solving riddles was equally lively. The riddles, covering topics from classical literature and traditional festivals to folk customs, were both educational and fun. Faced with the puzzles, students could be seen deep in thought or engaged in animated discussion, eagerly vying to shout out the answers. Those who guessed correctly received small, exquisite gifts, deepening their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture through relaxed and joyful interaction.

With Tangyuan as a medium and riddles as a bridge, this event blended traditional folklore with cross-cultural experiences. It not only provided a platform for students from different countries to connect and understand one another but also allowed them to feel the warmth and charm of China's rich cultural heritage through firsthand participation. Looking ahead, the One-Stop International Student Community Service Center will continue to foster cross-cultural integration by launching more distinctive folk culture activities, helping international students build friendships and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.

Text：Foreign Experts&Students Service Center