International students celebrate New Year in Shanxi gala

One of the evening's most warmly received performances was a Mongolian dance presented by students from Asian and African countries. Perenleisambuu Egshiglen, a Mongolian student involved in the performance, said the group rehearsed regularly on campus in the lead-up to the gala despite winter weather. She said the dance was intended to convey the boldness of Mongolian culture and the idea of learning through cultural exchange.

As Spring Festival approaches, several students said they were curious about how the holiday is celebrated in China. Tabinda Noreen from Pakistan, who is about to experience the festival for the first time, said she was eager to take part in activities such as watching fireworks and wearing hanfu (the traditional attire of the Han ethnic group) for photos.

Vu Thi Ngoc, a Vietnamese student, noted that 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, which corresponds to her own zodiac sign. In Vietnamese culture, she said, the horse symbolizes success and good luck, something she hopes will accompany her studies and future career.