On the evening of December 27, Esther Hall was filled with warmth and laughter as the Winter Solstice & New Year Gathering for International Faculty, organized by the International Office, was successfully held. More than twenty international faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and their family members gathered together during this special time between the Winter Solstice and the New Year to experience traditional Chinese culture and welcome the arrival of 2026.

The event began with a cozy tea gathering. Dr. Gao Jian, the Director of the International Office and Dean of the School of International Education, warmly welcomed the participants and invited everyone to sit together and enjoy tea while sharing stories of work and life. During the conversation, Director Gao attentively asked about the international faculty members’ experiences at Shantou University and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as housing, transportation, and children’s education. Many faculty members shared that the daily support services and holiday care provided by the International Office made them feel truly welcomed, noting that they often received timely and heartfelt assistance while living and working at Shantou University.

Following the tea gathering, Director Gao delivered opening remarks on behalf of the university. He emphasized that internationalization has always been an important development strategy of Shantou University, and that international faculty members are an essential part of its diverse campus culture. In recent years, the university has introduced a series of thoughtful initiatives, including weekend shuttle services for shopping and cross-cultural exchange activities, to create a living, teaching, and research environment that is welcoming and supportive for international faculty. Looking ahead, the university will continue to improve its international service, strengthen the recruitment and development of international faculty, and promote interdisciplinary and cross-cultural cooperation, jointly fostering an open, inclusive, and vibrant international campus.

Next, Elvina introduced the cultural traditions of the Winter Solstice. She explained that the Winter Solstice is an important solar term in the Chinese calendar and is traditionally regarded as being “as significant as the New Year.” Common customs include eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), ancestor worship, and counting the “nine cold days.” She also introduced the rules and cultural meanings behind lantern riddles and the ancient pitch-pot game, helping international faculty better understand the traditional culture behind these activities before participating. In addition, postdoctoral fellow Mati Ullah from Pakistan and postdoctoral fellow Akram Ismael Shehata Shaaban Mahmoud from Egypt shared traditional sweets from their home countries, adding a warm and personal touch to this reunion-themed cultural gathering.

Afterwards, participants moved to the teaching kitchen at Esther Hall, where they made tangyuan under the guidance of a professional chef. Kneading glutinous rice flour, wrapping fillings, and shaping the dough into round balls, the teachers learned by doing amid constant laughter. For many, it was their first time making tangyuan, yet they quickly picked up the techniques. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of glutinous rice and a strong sense of togetherness.

At the same time, the lantern riddle game attracted many participants. The riddles incorporated elements of Shantou University campus landmarks and Chaoshan regional culture, such as riddles about iconic campus locations and local favorite beverages. The activity tested participants’ wit while offering insights into local traditions. The pitch-pot game area was also bustling with activity and became one of the most lively interactive highlights of the evening. Holding wooden arrows, participants focused intently on tossing them into the pot. Every successful throw was met with applause and cheers. Many faculty members commented that the game was both fun and skill-based, reminding them of similar traditional games from their home countries and giving them a strong sense of familiarity.

A fun award session was also arranged during the event. The “Best Tangyuan Award” was selected by the chef based on appearance and creativity, with four teachers receiving the honor. The “Lantern Riddle Expert” and “Pitch-Pot Master” awards were presented to the top five participants based on the number of correct answers and successful throws, respectively. Many participants received a handmade crochet flower souvenir, specially designed by the Shude College student project “Crochet Floral Art.Tech-Infused Craftsmanship". Each piece combined traditional crochet techniques with campus cultural elements, making it a unique keepsake of the event.

At around 8:30 p.m., participants gathered once more for a group photo, bringing the evening of cultural warmth and joyful interaction to a successful close. More than a festive celebration, the event served as a meaningful opportunity for emotional connection. In the future, International Office will continue to improve cross-cultural exchange, promote cultural understanding and mutual connection, and further support the university’s international development.