Minzhi global village: Intl. residents embrace CNY traditions

In a vibrant display of cross-cultural harmony, Minzhi Subdistrict in Longhua District recently hosted a series of “Multicultural New Year Experiences” events. Part of Longhua’s broader “Ten Horses Welcome Spring” initiative, these activities transformed community service centers into a “living window” for international residents to immerse themselves in Chinese New Year traditions.

The festivities also served as a warm-up for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, fostering a welcoming, international atmosphere across the subdistrict’s diverse neighborhoods.

Calligraphy became a bridge between neighbors as residents from India, Ireland, Pakistan, and Colombia tried their hand at writing Spring Festival couplets. In Zhangkeng, volunteers explained the deep symbolism of the couplets to Indian families.

International residents join local volunteers to display handwritten “Fu” characters and paper-cuttings in Minzhi Subdistrict. Photos from Minzhi Subdistrict Office

Minzhi Community deployed bilingual volunteers who provided one-on-one coaching for Irish residents on the proper grip and stroke order of the character “Fu” (prosperity). At the North Railway Station’s New Year market, Pakistani guests received a mini-lesson on the evolution of Chinese script, from ancient seal characters to modern simplified forms.

The subdistrict moved beyond static displays, allowing global residents to touch and feel China’s intangible cultural heritage. Paper-cutting workshops in Zhangkeng and Minyue saw participation from entire families from Pakistan and Australia who created intricate designs.

An international family tries on ornate Peking Opera costumes and masks during a heritage workshop.

In Mintai, Tanzanian children joined local youth for a high-energy waist-drum yaogu session, while residents in Hongshan and Daling tried their hand at traditional sugar painting and even donned ornate Peking Opera costumes.

Action-oriented events proved that joy needs no translation. The North Station Community hosted a “Spring Run,” in which participants from Russia, India, Morocco, France, and Colombia completed a fitness run before exploring booths featuring traditional games and free health consultations.

Participants celebrate at the finish line of the “Run! Hand in Hand” event.

Daling Community introduced classic folk games like hoop-rolling and shuttlecock kicking, creating an atmosphere where international and local residents competed as “one family.”

Beyond the celebrations, Minzhi focused on building a sustainable community through dialogue and inclusive care. At the “Daling Tea Room” and Shangfen’s tea parties, the community leadership sat down with international residents to listen to their suggestions for neighborhood development. In Xinniu, a resident from South Korea experienced the true essence of “reunion” by learning to fold dumplings from scratch with local volunteers.

International residents join local community leaders for a tea party to discuss neighborhood development and cultural integration.

The Minxin Community hosted a “Little Scientist” DIY workshop for children with thalassemia. International volunteers joined the session, blending scientific education with global emotional support, embodying the community’s commitment to “caring for the young and supporting the vulnerable.”

At Minzhi, Chinese New Year is more than just a local holiday — it is a global celebration of neighborly love and cultural respect.