The “New Moon, New Home, New Growth” Mid-Autumn Reunion of Daxia College was successfully held in September 28th.
Lanterns shine over Liwa, the moon illuminates Daxia.
Gathering for Mid-Autumn, filled with poetic grace.
Chinese and international students gather together for cross-cultural exchanges, experiencing traditional Chinese culture and feeling unique warmth and happiness.
01 Guessing School History Lantern Riddles
To help new students integrate into the campus life and learn more about ECNU history, we held a School History Lantern Riddle Party. Butterfly-shaped poetry cards added a touch of ancient charm; colorful silk balls hanging with lantern riddles exuded a fragrance of culture. At the “School History Lantern Riddle Party”, students guessed riddles, appreciated verses, and learned about the school's history. Knowledge and fun merged, history and the present interacted, depicting a magnificent picture of the school’s history and playing an unforgettable Mid-Autumn movement.
02 Messaging Growth Postcards
Green postcards held sincere wishes; determined handwriting revealed deep affection for the school. “It's my second week at ECNU. The campus is rich in humanistic atmosphere and naturalscenery. I hope to grow to be a better version of myself here.” The power of the words lies not in their quantity, but in their sincerity; the beauty of the remarks lies not in their elegance, but in their commitment. Students pursued their life directions and were willing to grow together withthe school. What they wrote was not only their life wishes but also their deep love for the school.
03 Making Mooncakes for celebration
Pressing the crust, kneading the filling, shaping the mooncakes... Students put on gloves, masks, and hats, sat around the table, and made mooncakes with their own hands. Everyone concentrated on making delicate and delicious mooncakes:sweet osmanthus oolong, longjing tea, jasmine... Colorful fillings were wrapped in the crust. The quality of hard-working and the traditional charm were also engraved in the students’ hearts.
04 Tasting Tea under Osmanthus Trees
“Osmanthus blossoms in autumn, and the fragrance of tea lingers.” On Xiayv Island, the breeze blew gently, the fragrance of tea filled the air, and the light tapping of hand pans was crisp and pleasant. The instructor gently touched the tea lid and handled the bowls and dishes, explaining to the students in detail the origin of tea, tea-making techniques, and tea-tasting methods. Students rinsed the tea, oxidized the tea, and smelled the fragrance... Separating from the noise and busyness,they pursued the tranquility of the soul, and appreciated the fragrance of culture.
05 Handwriting Notes Exhibition
Pink display boards recorded countless thoughts and insights; neat handwriting showed excellent note works. There were well-organized notes on management principles, carefully drawn notes on public economics, and accurate notes on neuroscience... Setting sail in the sea of learning, only those who are diligent can reach the shore; climbing the mountain of knowledge, only those who are attentive can reach the peak.
06 Handcrafting Lanterns
“The moon is particularly bright at Mid-Autumn, and bright lanterns reflect the warmth of people.” The lanterns with rabbit patterns seemed like blooming flowers, bringing beauty everywhere; the lanterns hung with silk knots illuminated the campus of ECNU, making it brightened every day. Installing the lantern frames and lighting up the lanterns, students wandered around with rabbit-shaped lanterns in their hands, illuminating Daxia Hall. Those shining light were like blooming petals and broken jade, like the bright eyes of the Mid-Autumn lady and the sincere hearts of the little flower lion.
07 Painting on Lacquer Fans
Lacquer art is a treasure of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, concentrating their wisdom and hard work. A bucket of clear water and a few drops of paint dyed bright and fresh lacquer fans. Students patiently added colors and slowly rotated the fan surfaces, as if entering a distant and poetic era. With the fan ribs as the framework and lacquer art as the soul, they concentrated on their work and pursued excellence, experiencing the spirit of great craftsmen and understanding the wonderful combination of tradition and modernity.
08 Making Ancient Incense Cards
Ancient-style incense cards have a long-lasting fragrance of agarwood. From royal treasures to the spiritual symbol of literati, from traditional techniques to modern craftsmanship, incense cards are not only a symphony of nature and ingenuity but also the carrier of history and culture. Students tried to make ancient-style incense cards by themselves: pressing the mold, demolding, and drilling holes... In the detailed and rigorous process steps, they nourished their hearts with incense, continued the cultural heritage to root in the pure land of the soul, and inherit the Eastern Civilization.
09 Creating Sugar Paintings for Sweet Memories
Sugar painting is an intangible cultural heritage of China. Boiling sugar and painting with it, using syrup as ink, a iron spoon as a brush, and fire as a medium, it interprets the perfect combination of sweetness and art. Depicting little flower lions and the school emblem of East China Normal University, the amber-colored syrup flowed into clear outlines, and the condensed sugar threads wove the sweet memories of thousands of years of folk customs.
10 Pitch-pot Game to Celebrate Mid-Autumn
Red arrow feathers and black arrowheads; those who threw the arrows hit the target and laughed happily. Students held their breath, focused, lifted their arms, and splayed their fingertips. The arrows flew like those released from a bow, drawing a beautiful arc and falling steadily into the pot. Through this game, they not only experienced the archery etiquette of the pre-Qin period but also showed the demeanor of people of virtue. Historical heritage and cultural conception merged, and exquisite skills and melodious poetry converged, creating a joyful atmosphere and igniting the flame of civilization.
Students’ Reflections
01 Gao Jiaming, Undergraduate of Grade 2025, School of Software Engineering
I felt very happy to participate in the Mid-Autumn events held by Daxia College. As the Daxiateaching assistant, I communicated and negotiated with other assistants and volunteers to organize the event, and also communicated and interacted with participants in the event. I felt as if I was in a big family full of warmth and love. The Mid-Autumn lanterns were beautiful, and the family was united under the full moon. As a freshman from JilinProvince, this was the first time I spent the Mid-Autumn Festival far away from home. However, I did not feel lonely at all. On the contrary, I was moved by the care of senior students, warmed by the happy smiles of schoolmates, and intoxicated by the unique and magnificent traditional culture. Activities such as arrow-throwing, fan-painting, and riddle-guessing were not only solemn and ceremonial, but also interesting and attractive. I experienced the power of teamwork, the beauty of Oriental civilization, and the sincere intention of Daxia to hold activities for students. Participating in the Mid-Autumn event held by Daxia College was not only a good opportunity for new students to integrate into the university but also a chance for spiritual baptism and growth. Looking back on this event, I deeply felt the warmth and strength of home. I believe that in the days to come, this warmth and strength will always be with me, encouraging me to move forward, explore, and surpass myself constantly. At the same time, I also look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with my classmates, grow together in future study and life, and add more glory to Daxia College.
02 Deng Qingyve, Undergraduate of Grade 2023, Faculty of Education
As the teaching tutor of Daxia college in charge of this Mid-Autumn reunion, I saw the younger students either participating enthusiastically or working as volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the event. The youthful vitality and vigor radiating from them deeply infected me. During the event, through the school history lantern riddles, students gained a deeper understanding of the school’s development process. The strong interest shown by many international students in traditional crafts such as lacquer fans also made me more truly feel the eternal charm of Chinese culture that transcends time and space. I look forward to more students participating in the college’s activities in the future to jointly create warm memories.
03 An Jie, Undergraduate of Grade 2025, International College of Chinese Language and Culture
Hello everyone, I'm An Jie from Iceland! My mother is a Shanghainese. I have practiced Shanghai dialect and Mandarin with my mother at home since I was a child. Although I don't speak them very well, I have always been looking forward to having the opportunity to experience Chinese culture in depth. I am particularly happy that in the first month of studying at ECNU, my dream has come true, and I have experienced many interesting Mid-Autumn cultural activities!
04 Salah, Undergraduate of Grade 2025, International College of Chinese Language and Culture
Hello everyone, I'm Salah from Yemen. I studied Chinese in Egypt for 3 years, but I have never participated in cultural experience activities. This is my first time participating in a cultural experience activity. Thank teachers and classmates for their patience in teaching me to make snow skin mooncakes and incense cards. I feel a great sense of accomplishment. It’s wonderful!
05 Ruan Jinyin, Undergraduate of Grade 2024, International College of Chinese Language and Culture
As an international student, I am very happy to participate in the Mid-Autumn event of the college. Making mooncakes and guessing lantern riddles, and listening to friends tell Mid-Autumn stories, this experience has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese festivals and also a better understanding of the meaning of “reunion” during Mid-Autumn. This lively and warm atmosphere makes me feel as warm as home, and I feel a sense of belonging to home even in a foreign country.
Osmanthus fragrances drift, candle flames glow red.
The moon is full at Mid-Autumn, and we set sail for happiness.
In the future, Daxia College will accompany you to embark on a new journey of growth!