“Nihao! China” Cultural Experience in Lund

The warm spring sunshine bathed the lawn of Lund University School of Economics and Management as the annual International Culture Festival arrived right on schedule. Jointly organized by China Cultural Center in Stockholm and Chinese Students and Scholars Association at Lund University, “Nihao! China” cultural experience event became the center of attention with its rich Chinese charm. A vibrant cultural party unfolded, blending Tai Chi performances, traditional handicrafts, interactive games, and authentic snacks, drawing crowds of students and faculty to stop and immerse themselves.

The cultural exhibition area quickly heated up. Brochures showcasing Chinese universities and tourist attractions sparked lively conversations — students marveled at the symbolism of the mythical creatures on the roofs of the Forbidden City and curiously inquired about the spiciness of Chinese cuisine. The trivia quiz zone turned into a friendly knowledge battleground, where winners proudly claimed Chinese zodiac plush toys (Year of the Snake), while those who missed a question consoled themselves with treats like White Rabbit candies and Want Want rice crackers. Nearby, the delicate aroma of Longjing tea drew curious visitors — some frowned in contemplation at their first sip, only to return for a second cup with newfound appreciation for its lingering sweetness.

The hands-on workshops became hubs of creativity. In the calligraphy section, students carefully dipped brushes in ink to write the character “福” (fortune), with many also asking how to write their own names in Chinese. At the woodblock printing station, participants handled carving knives and printing tools with fascination, carefully preserving their handmade creations. But the most popular spot was undoubtedly the wooden rabbit lantern workshop—some meticulously carved intricate patterns, while others used colored markers to add playful expressions to their bunnies. Once completed, they proudly posed with their lanterns for photos.

As the sunset, students left with pockets full of mung bean cakes and haw flakes, hands holding handwritten calligraphy, woodblock prints, and DIY lanterns. More than just souvenirs, these items carried whispers of curiosity and excitement about the ancient Eastern country, now lingering in young people’s conversations and social media posts. This event was co-hosted by China Cultural Center in Stockholm and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association at Lund University, with special thanks to the volunteer team and LundaEkonomerna Student Union for their tremendous support. More exciting cultural events are on the way — follow China Cultural Center in Stockholm’s official accounts to unlock the next chapter of China’s stories!