International Student Ambassador Xinyu hosted a stall at the Festival of Cultures. From planning to the big day, she tells us her journey to representing her country.
As an international student from China, participating in Global Week felt like more than just an event — it was a chance to bridge cultures, share stories, and celebrate the richness of my heritage. When I volunteered to organise the China cultural booth, I knew I wanted to create an immersive experience that would leave visitors with not just souvenirs, but lasting memories of China’s traditions and warmth. Here’s how I brought a slice of Chinese New Year to life on campus.
Why we chose the topic of Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is very important in Chinese culture. It’s a time for family reunions, vibrant red decorations, and age-old customs symbolising hope and renewal. I chose this theme because it embodies the spirit of togetherness and joy — a universal language that anyone could connect with. Plus, what better way to counter stereotypes about China than by showcasing its festive, colourful side?
Planning: from ideas to action
The journey began with collaboration. Through the University’s team, I connected with the Chinese Students’ Union. Together, we mapped out a timeline and divided tasks: designing posters, sourcing materials, and rehearsing performances. One challenge was balancing authenticity with accessibility. For instance, instead of just displaying calligraphy, we decided to let visitors try writing their names in Chinese characters. We also added a “chopstick challenge” (using chopsticks to pick up marbles!) to make the experience interactive and fun.
The decor was crucial. We draped the booth in Chinese red — a colour symbolising luck and happiness — and adorned it with lanterns, couplets, and a zodiac-themed display explaining the 12 animal signs. To add depth, we included cultural artefacts like ink-painted bookmarks, paper umbrellas, and folding fans. But the showstopper? A live pipa (Chinese lute) performance, arranged by a talented fellow student. The pipa’s melodies, ranging from ancient folk tunes to modern compositions, became a magnet for curious listeners.
The big day: laughter, learning, and dumplings
On 20 March, the booth buzzed with energy. Visitors giggled as they struggled with chopsticks, marvelled at intricate paper-cuttings, and lined up to get their names written in elegant brushstrokes. One moment stood out: a local student, after learning that red envelopes symbolise blessings, exclaimed, “This feels like a family celebration!”. That’s exactly what I’d hoped for — to create a sense of shared humanity through traditions.
Personal reflection
Culture isn’t just about artefacts; it’s about stories. By explaining customs like the Reunion Dinner or the symbolism of fireworks, I realised how much these traditions reflect Chinese values — respect for ancestry, hope for the future, and the joy of community. Many visitors asked questions like, “Do people still do this today?” or “How does your family celebrate?”. These conversations turned the booth into a dialogue, not a monologue.
Organising this booth taught me the power of cultural exchange. It wasn’t just about “teaching” others; it was about listening, adapting, and finding common ground. As an international student, I sometimes feel caught between two worlds. But on that day, seeing students from all over the world proudly hold up their paper-cut creations or debate their zodiac signs, I felt deep pride in my roots — and gratitude for a university that values diversity.
To anyone hesitant to share their culture: just start. A single lantern, a shared laugh, or a dumpling recipe can spark curiosity and connection. After all, Global Week isn’t just about where we’re from — it’s about where we’re going, together.