In the vibrant bloom of April, on the afternoon of April 28, 2025, the campus of Shanghai Hongrun Boyuan High School in Qingpu District was filled with the rich essence of Chinese culture. The highly anticipated 3rd Chinese Language and Culture Festival, themed "Tracing the Footsteps of Huaxia," was grandly held in the school’s outdoor space. This event was not only a cultural experience blending knowledge and fun but also a vivid practice where teachers and students came together to inherit and promote the outstanding traditional culture of China.

At around 3 p.m., the festival kicked off amidst great excitement. The opening performance, presented by students Zhou, Ye, Zou, Zhao, and Yang, immediately captivated the audience with their youthful energy and passion for Chinese culture. The melodious music, powerful martial arts displays, and graceful dances won rounds of applause from the attendees, setting a lively and joyful tone for the cultural exploration that followed.

After the brief yet grand opening, from 3:05 p.m. to 4:05 p.m., students eagerly dove into the free activity session. The festival featured four thematic zones: "Hall of Classics," "Silk and Song," "Artisan Workshop," and "Feast of Delicacies," guiding students to experience the profound depths of Chinese culture from diverse perspectives.

Hall of Classics: The Timeless Charm of Wisdom

Stepping into the "Hall of Classics" was like traveling back in time to an ancient study, a sanctuary for dialogue with the sages of old.

• Classics Exhibition:

Carefully selected Chinese classics and handcrafted artifacts were displayed, from the philosophies of the Hundred Schools of Thought to the poetry of the Tang and Song dynasties. Students paused to admire these treasures, feeling the weight of history and the brilliance of wisdom embedded in the words.

• Oracle Bone Script Decoding:

This interactive challenge featured ancient oracle bone script puzzles. Students eagerly deciphered the characters, learning about the origins of Chinese writing and experiencing the enduring charm of a civilization spanning millennia—as if touching the pulse of culture from 3,000 years ago.

• Flying Poetry (Feihualing):

Inspired by the traditional drinking game of literati, this activity became a stage for students to showcase their knowledge of poetry and quick thinking. With a keyword as the theme, verses flew back and forth, creating bursts of laughter and admiration for clever responses or playful struggles.

Silk and Song: A Symphony of Performance Arts

The "Silk and Song" zone was a feast for the senses, showcasing the allure of traditional Chinese performing arts.

• Guqin and Vertical Flute Performances：

The ethereal melodies of the guqin and the bright notes of the vertical flute intertwined, transporting listeners to another era with their timeless harmonies.

• Martial Arts Demonstrations:

Each movement flowed with precision and grace, embodying the spirit of strength, skill, and discipline. The performances reflected the cultural ethos of resilience and self-cultivation.

• Traditional Chinese Dance:

Dancers in exquisite costumes brought classical tales and ethnic traditions to life through elegant movements, swirling sleeves, and rhythmic steps, mesmerizing the audience with their artistry.

Artisan Workshop: Hands-On Heritage

This zone was a playground for creativity, where students tried their hand at traditional crafts.

• Oracle Bone Script Rubber Stamps:

Combining ancient script with modern craft, students carved rubber stamps featuring oracle bone characters, reviving the old writing system in a fun and engaging way.

• Rubbing Art (Tà Yìn):

Using traditional techniques, students placed rice paper over engraved templates and gently tapped with ink pads, creating rustic prints that echoed ancient printing methods.

• Bamboo Weaving:

With slender bamboo strips, students wove small handicrafts, learning patience and dexterity while appreciating the ingenuity of natural material craftsmanship.

Feast of Delicacies: A Culinary Journey

No cultural festival is complete without food. The "Feast of Delicacies" offered a taste of iconic Chinese snacks and regional specialties.

• Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorns):

Glazed with shiny sugar, these sweet-and-sour treats evoked nostalgic childhood memories.

• Chinese Pastries:

Delicately shaped pastries like mung bean cakes and osmanthus cakes delighted palates while showcasing the finesse of Chinese baking traditions.

• Yunnan Cuisine:

The inclusion of Yunnan dishes added a splash of regional diversity, introducing students to the bold and unique flavors of China’s culinary map.

Throughout the afternoon, the campus transformed into a dynamic classroom of culture. Students moved between zones, engrossed in thought, hands-on activities, culinary delights, or performances, their faces alight with curiosity and joy. The "Tracing the Footsteps of Huaxia" festival was undoubtedly a resounding success—a celebration that deepened students’ connection to Chinese heritage and ignited pride in their cultural identity.

This meticulously planned event reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing globally minded individuals grounded in cultural richness. Through such immersive experiences, the seeds of Chinese culture have been sown in young hearts, poised to grow and flourish in their future endeavors. With confidence, we look forward to Hongrun Boyuan students carrying this cultural legacy forward as they trace the footsteps of Huaxia and share the splendor of Chinese civilization with the world.