On January 1, at the invitation of the Fengxian District Culture and Tourism Bureau in Shanghai, the College of International Education(CIE) of ECUST organized around 40 international students from 14 countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, Belgium, South Korea, and Morocco, to participate in the “Fengxian New Year Tour.” By visiting the Qingxi Old Street New Year Carnival and experiencing the pastoral charm of Liyao Village, the students immersed themselves in a rich blend of ancient and modern, urban and rural settings, gaining firsthand insight into the vitality of traditional Chinese culture and the dynamism of contemporary rural development.

Qingxi Old Street: A Cultural Feast Across Time

The first stop of the tour was Qingxi Old Street, where the 2026 Fengxian New Year Carnival, themed “Savoring the Vibrancy of Life and Spring of Fengxian,” was held. The carnival officially kicked off in the afternoon with an intangible cultural heritage performance titled “Soaring Dragon and Phoenix”. International students Vlada and Timur, dressed in traditional Hanfu, were appointed as “Fengxian Culture and Tourism Ambassadors” during the opening ceremony. They will share Fengxian’s stories from diverse perspectives in the future.

In an immersive ancient-style garden party, the students explored different interactive zones through puzzles and challenges. They tried traditional games like Touhu (arrow throwing) and Feihualing (poetry recitation competitions) and experienced the charm of intangible cultural heritage crafts in the handmade workshop area. Folk performances such as dragon and lion dances, Dalianxiang (a lotus stick dance), and stilt walking paraded along the old street, engaging closely with the students. Shows like “Rolling Lanterns” and “Dragon Soaring Over Fengxian” drew rounds of applause.

At the carnival’s outdoor music concert, local Fengxian bands took the stage, performing a mix of pop, traditional Chinese, and rock music. In the New Year-themed cultural and food market, the students sampled local delicacies such as Fengxian’s “Eight Traditional Dishes”, while admiring local specialties like Fengcheng wood carvings and vanishing cream. The vibrant atmosphere offered a tangible experience of the “dialogue between past and present.” 

Liyao Village: New Year in the Countryside

The second stop was Liyao Village. Here, students visited a panda-themed café and ceramic workshop, witnessing the creative integration of rural life and cultural innovation. The village’s natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere captivated the students, who took photos to capture the unique winter charm of Shanghai’s countryside.

The day concluded with a hearty farmhouse dinner and a dazzling fireworks display, filling the evening with warmth and laughter. 

A “Second Classroom” in Motion

Organized as the first activity of the CIE’s “Second Classroom” initiative, this tour extended cultural learning beyond campus. By integrating intangible cultural heritage, folk performances, and rural life into multidimensional learning experiences, the initiative offered international students a deeper, experiential understanding of China. Moving forward, the college will continue to expand university-local collaborations, designing more culturally rich and engaging experiential activities.