Recently, the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality hosted the 2025 New Year Reception for Chinese and Foreign Journalists . International students from SJTU were invited to attend the event, where they had an immersive experience of a variety of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage activities.

At the reception, both Chinese and foreign guests actively participated in traditional intangible cultural heritage activities such as paper-cutting, floral crafting, tea art, riddle-guessing, and making rice dumplings. The international students from SJTU showed great interest in these activities, which are rich in Chinese cultural characteristics. They also experienced the making of traditional fragrant sachets from Tonghanchun Hall, gaining insights into the charm of traditional Chinese medicine culture. Wearing sachets, known as "aroma-protecting method" in traditional Chinese medicine, not only protects health but also serves as a testament to the inheritance of Chinese traditional culture.

During the food tasting session, the students couldn't stop praising for the traditional delicacies. The "Sixin Tangyuan" (rice dumplings), known for their large size, thin skin, and generous filling, became a classic treat for the Lantern Festival.

During their visit to the Yu Garden Lantern Festival, the students felt as if they were immersed in a painting of "a glimmering sea of a thousand lights". They marveled at the lantern displays in the shapes of mythical creatures and truly felt the festival atmosphere.

This event provided a platform for the international students from SJTU to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese traditional culture. Through hands-on experiences, they not only felt the unique charm of Chinese intangible cultural heritage but also deepened their appreciation of traditional Chinese culture.