Zhengzhou University (ZZU) hosted a dumpling-making event on Dec 21 to celebrate the Winter Solstice, a traditional Chinese festival. The activity brought together over 50 Chinese and international students, fostering cross-cultural interaction through a hands-on culinary experience.
The event aimed to create a platform for students to connect and build friendships. By making dumplings together, participants could share in a common cultural practice while learning about each other's traditions.
Teachers from the International Education College began the event by sharing the origins of the Winter Solstice dumpling-eating tradition. This was followed by an instructional video demonstrating basic dumpling-making techniques.
During the hands-on session, students worked in groups to knead dough, roll wrappers, and fill dumplings. Chinese students demonstrated traditional folding styles, while international students added creative twists, resulting in a variety of shapes and designs. The atmosphere was lively and engaging, with laughter and conversation filling the room.
A fun voting session was held to award prizes for the "most creative dumpling", "best-shaped dumpling", and "overall excellence". As the freshly cooked dumplings were served, everyone gathered to enjoy the meal together, sharing the warmth of the festival.
The event successfully used food and festival tradition as a bridge for meaningful cultural dialogue. Looking ahead, ZZU will continue organizing similar activities, providing more opportunities for exchange and mutual understanding within the campus community.
Students from ZZU make dumplings together during the Winter Solstice. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]
Students from ZZU make dumplings together during the Winter Solstice. [Photo/zzu.edu.cn]