On February 24, Shenzhen University (SZU) hosted its inaugural "Dada Liyuan (meaning good luck and prosperity)" Lantern Festival Market at the Yuehai campus. The event marked SZU's first endeavor in organizing such a celebration on campus and its initial collaboration with the local community to invite the public to participate in the festivities.
The festive event was packed with fun and excitement. It offered 10 entertaining games, 21 hands-on craft activities, and a wide variety of popular snacks from local university communities, delighting SZU faculty members, students, and the wider public. From captivating lion dances to traditional face-changing performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, a delightful showcase of traditional instrumental and classical music, alongside Tang Dynasty-inspired dances, added to the event's charm. The campus was adorned with illuminated trees, creating picturesque settings for photo opportunities. Many SZU faculty members, students, and local residents, dressed in Hanfu or Guochao attire, enthusiastically participated in activities such as enjoying tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), solving lantern riddles, collecting stamps, trying their hand at pitch-pot and shooting hoops, and more.
Shenzhen resident Yang Tongli, attending the Lantern Festival Market with her family, remarked on the youthful energy and cultural ambiance of the university-hosted event compared to traditional festival markets.
"Shenzhen University is my dream school!" exclaimed high school student Zhang Wenqi. "Today, I came with my parents, and the atmosphere here is fantastic, very lively!" She expressed her admiration for the university's distinctive educational characteristics showcased at each booth. With determination in her voice, she expressed her aspiration, "I hope to gain admission to SZU through my own efforts in the future. Shenzhen University, wait for me!"
