To promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture and allow international students to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chinese traditional festivals, on the evening of March 2, the School of International Education organized the international students on campus to visit the People's Cultural Palace in Benxi City to watch the "New Life of National Treasures, Long Melody of Opera" 2026 Benxi Yuanxiao Opera Gala, and to visit the Yuanxiao Lantern Exhibition, celebrating the Yuanxiao Festival amid the elegant melodies of string and woodwind instruments and the dazzling lanterns.
The international students experienced the 2026 Benxi Spring Lantern Festival held in Xihu District. At the festival, various exquisitely designed lanterns were displayed, glowing with colorful lights. There were industrial-themed lanterns that incorporated local characteristics of Benxi, auspicious zodiac lanterns, and story-based lanterns that showcased traditional Chinese folklore. Under the guidance of the staff, the international students learned about the folk customs of Yuanxiao (the Lantern Festival) and took out their phones to take photos and record the experience.
As night fell, the lights of the Benxi People's Cultural Palace shone brightly. The evening party kicked off with the stirring melody of "Celebrating Yuanxiao" (a drum and music performance), instantly igniting the festive atmosphere on site. The entire evening was a gathering of renowned performers and a feast of diverse performances, covering various genres such as Peking Opera, Ping Opera, Yue Opera, and Huangmei Opera, featuring both classic heritage and innovative interpretations. The Huangmei Opera "The Story of Chunxiang" presented by the School of Drama and Art of Shenyang Normal University was graceful and delicate, while the traditional dance "A Touch of Heavenly Fragrance" was graceful and full of charm. The duet of "Wu Jiapo" from the Beijing Opera cleverly fused traditional vocal styles with modern music, refreshing the audience's ears. The opera performers' superb singing skills and consummate interpretations earned rounds of applause from the audience. The evening party concluded with the magnificent singing of the Beijing Opera "Chinese Opera is Truly Amazing". After the performance, the international students took the stage to take photos with the performers. Several representatives of the international students were interviewed in Chinese, expressing their love for Chinese opera and the open and friendly city of Benxi.
This event marks a significant step taken by Liaoning Institute of Science and Technology to promote the international dissemination of excellent traditional Chinese culture. In recent years, the School of International Education has consistently prioritized the development of the "Study at Liaoning Institute of Science and Technology" brand. Leveraging the opportunities presented by traditional festivals, the school has organized a variety of cultural experience activities, allowing international students to perceive and understand China through personal participation. Looking ahead, the institution will continue to establish a multicultural exchange platform, deepen the integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, and assist more international students in becoming ambassadors of cross-cultural exchange.
