Rooster Ready

Some 160 NYU Shanghai students spent an afternoon immersed in cultural activities such as creating paper lanterns and painting Chinese characters at the annual Yuanxiao Fair on February 15.  

Organized by the Chinese Language Program and Student Life, the fair brought together culture enthusiasts in celebration of the Chinese New Year & Lantern Festival.

Participants -- many sporting little roosters clipped to their hair and clothes--hopped between several stations promoting paper lantern making, Chinese riddles, fortune telling, Chinese Twister, traditional dancing, calligraphy, paper cutting and other games.

“It was my first time trying a traditional Chinese dance. I’ve learned Arabic dance, and was surprised that the two styles share similar techniques,” said Andrea Gispert, a freshman from Mexico. “As an international student, I haven’t had many opportunities to experience traditional Chinese culture with my friends, who are always away visiting their families during the holidays. I look forward to our university holding more events like this.”

Amy Ernst, another freshman from Texas, was awed by the fair’s “magic” fortune tellers, admitting that she would further dig into the tradition’s history.  

Chai Jing, Assistant Director of Chinese Language Program, said the fair has grown considerably since last year, creating more opportunities for students to engage with and learn about Chinese culture.

“Our teachers customized all of the riddles so that students can apply what they’ve learned this year into the games,” she said.