On 14 May 2025, the Chinese Language and Culture Centre (CLCC) of the School of General Education hosted a cultural celebration at BNBU, inviting around 20 international degree-seeking students, exchange-in students and students of the Extended Study Programme, coming from the US, the UK, Russia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Ukraine, to celebrate the language and the semester as the school year comes to a close.

Dr Jenny Cui introduces the 24 Chinese Solar Terms

The event, hosted by Dr Jenny Cui and Ms Candy Cai, focused on the 24 solar terms in the Chinese culture. The celebration included exciting activities such as an introduction to the 24 solar terms, a competition to see who could memorise a certain number of terms from each season, and quilling, a traditional paper craft that involves coiling and shaping paper into beautiful works of art. Each quilling piece was inspired by one of the 24 solar terms.

Ms Candy Cai introduces the paper craft of "quilling" to attendees

In the presentation, Dr Cui explained the 24 solar terms were utilised as a system for weather forecasting in agriculture during ancient times; even today, these terms endure in modern life. The solar terms serve not only as a connection between the past and the present, but also between us and nature. They teach the people about the world and push them to focus on the calmness that nature brings. They bring the people hope and remind them to stay strong; spring always comes after the coldest winters. Even specific terms such as 小满 (Small Full (Grain) / Small Satisfaction) teach them about moderation. 小满 represents bursting with vibrant growth while leaving room for future possibilities, which can be applied in our daily lives by leaving space in achievements and other goals so as not to tip the balance.

Attendees work on their quilling piece

This cultural celebration marked a special turning point for many first-year international students, who have been learning and studying in China for a year. Some of the attendees reflected on their experience with their first year of Chinese classes. "Words we learned are actually used in real life. I now understand how some words are used, like words for discounts, or yelling 'eggplant' in front of a camera," Mady Tengkono from Elementary Chinese II shared.

"The cultural celebration allowed me to learn more about Chinese culture and participate in some traditions I've never had the chance to participate in. I've always felt a bit embarrassed about how little I know about different cultures, so this was a great experience for me to branch out. Even though I'm only here for one semester, I've made so many connections with students not just from China, but from all over the world," said Arwen Baer from Elementary Chinese II.

Attendees with their finished quilling pieces

"Before studying in China, I was concerned that I would be treated as an outcast, but I was happy to learn that the people are super open and excited to talk to you. It has also cemented how important I believe language is when learning about a culture. Watching people's faces light up after even saying one word is just such an amazing experience. Language has allowed me to have so many more meaningful interactions," another attendee shared.

Attendees with their finished quilling pieces

The cultural event not only provided a chance for students to learn about Chinese culture, but also allowed them to meet students from all over the world and unite them in their shared experience of studying in another country.

From SGE

Reporter: Arwen Baer

Photographers: Candy Cai and Alesia Tykhonova

Editor: Cecilia Yu