NCKU Chinese Language Center Hosts Lunar New Year Cultural Experience for International Students-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

The Chinese Language Center (CLC) of the College of Liberal Arts at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) held a Lunar New Year cultural experience event titled “Golden Horse Brings Prosperity, Good Fortune Rolls In （金馬發大財，好運財運滾滾來）” from February 4 to 6. The main activities took place on February 6 from 12:10 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the third floor of the CLC in the Hsiu-Chi Building, Kuang-Fu Campus. International students from around the world were invited to experience the lively and heartwarming atmosphere of Taiwan’s Lunar New Year through interactive activities such as writing Spring Festival couplets, printing red envelopes, and crafting decorations with chenille stems.

The participating international students had been in Taiwan for varying lengths of time—some for only five to six months, others for two to three years—and demonstrated impressive progress in language learning as well as a strong grasp of cultural nuances. When writing Spring Festival couplets, many did not strictly adhere to traditional formal greetings. Some chose phrases with Taiwanese linguistic flavor, such as “Good luck flourishing abundantly,” while others wrote humorous blessings like “Eat well, sleep well.” One student even produced bold, dynamic calligraphy in an expressive artistic style. The newly introduced chenille stem craft activity was especially popular. Indian student Bai Shu-Yu found great enjoyment in the process, while Belgian student Dai Nina, who enjoys handicrafts, described the activity as highly relaxing.

Japanese student Nakadai Eiji shared that making a red envelope for the first time was a fun experience. German student Su-Ya Lin, who also participated in last year’s Lunar New Year event hosted by the CLC, remarked that handmade red envelopes feel more meaningful than store-bought ones. She added that she plans to give the red envelopes she made to her parents, who are visiting Taiwan this year to celebrate the holiday together.

Bayan Nian, from northeastern India, said he especially enjoys calligraphy, particularly modern-style characters that convey strength and vitality. Australian student Bell Hui has studied calligraphy for two to three years and has practiced regular, semi-cursive, and cursive scripts. At the event, he was seen concentrating intently on his brushwork, demonstrating confident strokes and discussing renowned historical calligraphers such as Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Mi Fu with remarkable familiarity. He also articulated key principles of calligraphy learning with clarity. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience the festive atmosphere in advance through the CLC’s Lunar New Year activities.

Vietnamese student Nguyen Thi Ai noted that Vietnam also celebrates the Lunar New Year and shares similar traditions, such as posting Spring Festival couplets and giving red envelopes. However, Vietnamese couplets are written in both Chinese characters and Vietnamese. Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Taiwan for the first time this year, she plans to rest during the holiday while also observing and experiencing Taiwan’s unique festive customs.

The event featured four themed experiential activities, each designed to combine education and enjoyment. In “Flourishing Strokes: Spring Festival Calligraphy Experience (妙筆生花．春聯書法體驗),” renowned calligraphers Lien Wu-Cheng and Liu Ting-Chang provided on-site instruction, guiding international students as they wrote New Year blessings by hand and experienced the beauty of traditional calligraphy. The “Red Envelope Screen Printing” activity allowed participants to create one-of-a-kind red envelopes through silk-screen printing and insert a symbolic NT$1 blessing card, gaining insight into the auspicious meanings behind red envelope culture. In “Peace and Good Fortune,” students used trendy chenille stems to craft small apples and persimmons, drawing on homophonic symbolism in Mandarin to convey wishes for peace and success in the coming year. The “Lantern Riddle Challenge,” held in the CLC lobby, featured a variety of fun riddles that helped students enhance their Chinese comprehension while offering chances to win small mystery prizes, further enriching interaction and motivation in a festive setting.

Over the years, NCKU’s Chinese Language Center Lunar New Year cultural experience events have consistently provided vibrant and engaging programs. Beyond allowing international students to deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s traditional festivals while learning Chinese, the activities also promote cross-cultural exchange through interaction and creative expression, fostering a joyful and welcoming holiday atmosphere. Filled with laughter and excitement, the event enabled students to experience the multifaceted cultural significance of Taiwan’s Lunar New Year through calligraphy, red envelope creation, handcrafted symbolic ornaments, and lantern riddle challenges. Through this educational and entertaining approach, the Center hopes students will gain a deeper appreciation of Taiwanese culture while creating warm and unforgettable New Year memories.