On the Lantern Festival of the Year of the Snake, 2025, the Lantern Festival Market at Shenzhen University attracted a multitude of students, faculty, and citizens to partake in the festivities. At our college's booth, the "Lantern Festival International Reading Salon," international students from our university transformed into cultural ambassadors, infusing the traditional celebration with vibrant international elements in a unique way, making the Lantern Festival night on campus even more dazzling.

The display area by Malaysian students was like a realm filled with exotic charm. The Congkak game, with its delicate marbles hopping and bouncing on the board, struck notes of joy, as participants gathered around, experiencing the whimsy and wisdom of Malaysian childhood through play. The traditional henna hand-painting area was a dreamlike garden of art. Malaysian students, with henna cones in hand, resembled magicians wielding wands, drawing exquisite patterns on the hands of participants. Each stroke was a heartfelt narration of their homeland, and every hue spread the warmth and exuberance of Malaysian culture.

On the other side, the traditional attire exhibition area by Pakistani students exuded a rich aura of mystery. Each traditional garment, resembling a treasured artifact from the annals of history, captivated onlookers with its exquisite embroidery, opulent patterns, and unique color combinations. Pakistani student Qaisar Hayat, dressed in his nation's traditional attire, enthusiastically interacted with the crowd, sharing the ancient and touching stories behind the garments. Through their introductions, the audience was transported across time and space to the enigmatic lands of Pakistan, experiencing the lives and beliefs of its people firsthand.

The "Lantern Festival International Reading Salon" is not merely a platform for cultural display but a bridge connecting different countries and cultures. Here, the festive ambiance of the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival melds with the distinctive cultures of various nations, sparking a brilliant fusion. The laid-back warmth of Malaysia and the mysterious solemnity of Pakistan intermingle at this small booth, composing a beautiful symphony of multicultural harmony. International students showcased the unique allure of their homelands to Chinese students and faculty in their own way, while also finding a sense of belonging and identity within the traditional Chinese festival. Through interactions with the international students, Chinese students and faculty expanded their global perspectives and deepened their understanding and respect for diverse cultures.

On this joyous and harmonious Lantern Festival, the "Lantern Festival International Reading Salon" added a vibrant international hue to the campus of Shenzhen University. It not only allowed students and faculty to experience the charm of the fusion between traditional and international cultures but also highlighted Shenzhen University's openness and inclusiveness as an international institution of higher learning.