Recently, Hongqiao Subdistrict partnered with the Shanghai Hong Qiao International School to host a 2026 Spring Festival fair. Using intangible cultural heritage as a connection, the event brought together local children and young international students to experience Chinese New Year traditions through immersive activities. It built a warm bridge for cross-cultural exchange, adding a vibrant chapter to the children's winter break.

The Shanghai Hong Qiao International School campus was adorned with festive decorations—red lanterns and banners bearing the character "Fu" filled the space with new year atmosphere. The "Intangible Heritage New Year" market bustled with activity, as laughter and chatter from Chinese and international children filled the air.

At the sugar painting stall, golden syrup transformed under the skilled hands of an artist into auspicious Year of the Horse patterns, appearing vividly on the stone slab. The woodblock new year painting area was particularly lively, with children carefully rolling ink and watching colorful prints slowly take shape on paper. At games involving collecting "Fu" characters, writing blessings, and "Immediate Fortune" activities, Chinese and international children eagerly participated, cooperating with one another and bridging distances through fun interactions.

On stage, wonderful performances unfolded one after another, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. A stunning display of Sichuan Opera face-changing captivated the audience as the performer's masks shifted in an instant, drawing gasps and enthusiastic applause from the children below. The students also presented their own special performances, creating a vibrant fusion of multicultural expression and traditional Chinese art, with applause and cheers rising and falling.

"I participated in the dragon dance of the Chinese New Year workshop. It's a very good chance for us where we work together and form a very nice performance. It's the first time I experience this. I think it's very wonderful," said student Alpha Wang excitedly.

This fair represents a vivid practice in Hongqiao Subdistrict's ongoing efforts to foster cross-cultural integration within the international community. Always attentive to the growth of young people in the area, the subdistrict uses inclusive care as a focal point, allowing children to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture while deepening mutual understanding and friendship.

"we love to learn about Chinese culture and we read a lot about it. But it is a more meaningful experience, authentic for our students to participate in these activities with the local community," said Jonathon Jackson, principal of Shanghai Hong Qiao International School.

Hongqiao Subdistrict will continue to collaborate with international schools, municipal cultural venues, and community partners, focusing on the developmental needs of young people. By innovating event formats and enriching exchange platforms, it aims to let traditional Chinese culture serve as a bridge connecting children from different backgrounds. The goal is to continuously cultivate the fertile soil of the international community, allowing the concept of a "harmonious home" to take root and enabling the flowers of integration and children's growth to blossom beautifully together.