As the Mid‑Autumn Festival arrives with full‑moon nights and fragrance of sweet osmanthus, our university organized cultural activities to enrich international students’ first-hand understanding of Chinese culture and encourage their engagement in local public cultural initiatives. On the day of the Mid‑Autumn Festival, under the framework of the Culture‑Tourism Carnival hosted by Changning District, 14 international students from 12 countries visited the Time‑Themed Zoo Fair at Shanghai Zoo. There, they gained insight into the charm of Shanghai’s urban culture as well as traditional Chinese Mid‑Autumn Festival customs. Meanwhile, three of our international students from Russia, Chad and Colombia stepped forward as volunteers, providing on‑site services throughout the three‑day carnival.
The Golden‑Autumn Edition of the Grand Hongqiao Carnival, hosted by Changning District, is a large‑scale cultural celebration that brings together culture,business, tourism, sports, exhibitions and ecological elements. Adopting the “1+10+X” activity model, it features hundreds of diverse cultural‑tourism programs and promotes the urban cultural brand of “Century‑old Charms, Vibrant Changning”. The Time‑Themed Zoo Fair at Shanghai Zoo is among its key attractions.
Bustling with energy, the fair offered students a lively and enriching experience. The international students explored the zoo, observed rare animal species, collecting stamps at nostalgic check‑in points, and immersed themselves inunique fair‑ground experiences. The festive Mid‑Autumn atmosphere and down‑to‑earth vibrancy of Shanghai gave the students a fresh perspective on the city. While exploring, they shared holiday traditions from their home nations, building bridges for cross‑cultural dialogue amid laughter and conversation.
As a member institution of the Volunteer Service Alliance for International Students in China under the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, our university arranged volunteer assignments for the three international students during the carnival. The volunteers assisted with visitor guidance, maintaining order and providing information consultation. Through practical involvement,they embodied the spirit of volunteerism and served as young ambassadors for cultural exchange between China and the wider world. Though their roles were modest, the three students carried out their responsibilities with dedication,warmth and patience. Their thoughtful support contributed to the smooth running of responsibility and positive spirit of young people from around the world.
“Volunteering at this culture‑tourism carnival has been an incredibly precious experience for me. I gained deeper insights into Chinese festival culture and had the opportunity to interact with local residents. It was a valuable experience. I have learned a great deal,” one student volunteer commented.
This event has created a practical platform for international students on campus to gain a deeper understanding of China and experience the distinctive character of Shanghai. Stepping beyond the university campus, they encountered the rich heritage of traditional Chinese festivals, while experiencing the city’s openness and inclusiveness firsthand. Interactions between Chinese and international youth fostered mutual understanding and friendship. Moving forward, our university will continue to organize a diverse range of cultural and experiential activities, providing international students with further opportunities to engage with Chinese culture, local communities and share China’s voice with the world.
