How do you find a home away from home? At Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU), the answer came on 28 September, as the glow of lanterns, the fragrance of tea, and the laughter of friends filled the air. The university’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebration brought together students and staff from around the world beneath the harvest moon.
Group photo of the celebration
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi welcomed the global family at the opening with warmth and expressed his hope that the event would not only showcase traditions but also open a wider gateway to intercultural experiences. "I strongly encourage you to explore the beauty of the festival, along with the diverse and rich cultures of this land."
BNBU President Prof Chen Zhi addresses the audience
The celebration featured a rich array of cultural activities. Participants painted lanterns, crafted snow-skin mooncakes, practised the art of calligraphy, and observed the quiet ritual of traditional tea art. Laughter filled the air during the ancient pitch-pot game (Touhu), a fun and challenging traditional pastime.
The event also included a performance segment. It featured a martial arts demonstration, a recitation of the classic poem Prelude to Water Melody (《水调歌头》), and other musical and dance items, showcasing the diverse talents within the BNBU community.
For some, the festival was a first encounter with Chinese traditions. “Seeing everyone gather together shows the community on campus, and that’s really special,” said Laura Moncada, an international intern from Venezuela, who co-hosted the event. Dressed in clothing in the traditional Chinese style for the first time, she added, “It’s great not just to taste mooncakes, but experience the traditions behind them.”
Her co-host, Juan Rengifo, an international intern from Colombia, also celebrated his first Mid-Autumn Festival at BNBU. “After the event, I know that family is really important in China, and I want to know more about the culture,” he said, and expressed his love for the traditional Chinese clothing. “Being in normal clothes is regular, but now, I feel like I'm in a movie.”
BNBU's international interns Laura Moncada (left) and Juan Rengifo cohost the event
“The event is incredibly fun and light-hearted,” said Andrew Schwartz from the US, a Visiting Associate Professor spending his first semester at BNBU. He had participated in activities like calligraphy and mooncake making, and found them enjoyable. “Participating in Chinese culture while being in China is a dream come true,” he remarked.
BNBU Visiting Scholar Andrew Schwartz at the event
Others, like fourth-year student Alesia Tykhonova, already know the rhythm of the festival. For Tykhonova, the meaning of it lies in togetherness. “Gathering and celebrating the festival together really gives me the vibe of being in a big family,” she said.
BNBU fourth-year student Alesia Tykhonova at the event
BNBU senior management, including President Prof Chen, Provost Prof Patrick Chau, and Party Secretary of the University Party Committee and Vice President (Administration) Prof Mao Yaqing, Deans, teachers and Wardens, visited student residences to extend festive greetings and warm wishes to students on the same day.
BNBU's senior management with students
On this Mid-Autumn night, its global community came together under the same moon: to celebrate, to connect, and to belong.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu, Camelia Deng, Juan Rengifo
Photographer: Camelia Deng and SAO
Poster Designer: Jack Xiao
