Festival of Chinese Culture Held at BelSU

This year’s theme, “Chinese New Year: Symbols and Superstitions,” is an educational initiative organized by Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) in collaboration with the Belgorod State Universal Scientific Library.

As part of the festival, a master class titled “Symbols of the New Year in Russia and China” brought together Russian and international students from the BelSU Institute of Intercultural Communication and International Relations, preparatory department, as well as schoolchildren from Gymnasium No. 22 in Belgorod and the Formula Uspekha School in the Belgorod region.

Dmitry Biychuk, the Director’s Advisor for Education at the Formula Uspekha School, showcased his unique method for fostering associative thinking through painting, using symbols from both Russia and China as inspiration. Participants had the opportunity to express their ideas creatively while enhancing their intercultural communication skills.

At the conclusion of the master class, Yu Xiaoyu, a student from BelSU’s preparatory department, demonstrated the technique for writing the 福 (fu) hieroglyph, which translates to "happiness." In China, this symbol is traditionally hung upside down on doorways to attract good fortune for the new year.

An interactive game that involved composing New Year’s greetings in Chinese using cards featuring hieroglyphs generated significant interest among participants. Winners were awarded memorable prizes from the Belgorod State Universal Scientific Library.

Natalia Nerubenko, a specialist at the International Information Centre who oversees the Centre for Chinese Language and Culture, emphasized that such events lay the groundwork for attracting new applicants to the university and fostering collaboration between local schools and the university, while also strengthening friendly ties among different cultures.

Olga Lyutova, director of the International Information Centre, highlighted that 2024-2025 are designated as cross years of culture between Russia and China.