On the morning of September 28, the “Welcome to Binzhou · Mid-Autumn Warmth — Certificate Presentation Ceremony for Foreign Friends as Honorary Citizens of Binzhou City and Mid-Autumn Cultural Experience Event” was grandly held at the Municipal Cultural Center. Hu Hongtao, Member of the Party Committee of Binzhou Vocational College and Director of the Binzhou Institute of Applied Science and Technology, was invited to attend. Twenty-six international students and student administrators from nine countries participated together, witnessing the honor and experiencing the culture to feel the warmth of Binzhou and the charm of Chinese traditions.

Honorary Testimony: Observers Witness the Awarding

During the solemn honorary citizen certificate presentation ceremony, international students served as key observers, bearing witness to the moment when foreign friends Dai Wei and Roland were honored as “Honorary Citizens of Binzhou City.” The enthusiastic applause not only congratulated the awardees but also deeply moved the students. This honor not only recognizes foreign friends but also sets an example for “New Binzhou Residents,” inspiring international students to align their personal growth with the city's development and find their place in cross-cultural exchange.

Cultural Roots: Strolling Through the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition

During the cultural exploration segment, international students embarked on an immersive journey tracing the origins of intangible cultural heritage. They wandered through themed exhibition areas such as “Folk Literature” and “Folk Art and Traditional Crafts”: listening to stories of renowned figures like Fan Zhongyan, feeling the depth of regional humanistic heritage; marveling at the intricate artistry of paper-cutting, woodblock New Year prints, and clay sculptures, appreciating the beauty of traditional techniques; and witnessed the ingenuity of Binzhou locals in harnessing nature to enrich daily life through dyeing, weaving, and wickerwork displays. This visit not only introduced international students to China's rich intangible cultural heritage system but also allowed them to connect with Binzhou's distinctive regional cultural heritage.

Craft Experience: Embracing the Spirit of Mid-Autumn Festival

The hands-on craft session brought the event to its climax. In the intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting activity, scissors darted across red paper as the character for “福” (blessing) came to life, allowing students to appreciate the ingenuity of folk art. During mooncake making, guided by instructors, students kneaded dough, wrapped fillings, and pressed molds. One by one, mooncakes bearing traditional patterns and embodying wishes for reunion took shape, deeply imprinting the Mid-Autumn Festival's imagery of togetherness and cultural warmth in the students' hearts.

This event blended the city's honors with traditional festival culture, creating a platform for international students to experience Binzhou and understand China. Students described the experience as a cherished memory, expressing their desire to become cultural ambassadors between China and the world. Binzhou Vocational College's International College will continue to leverage such activities to promote cultural exchange and tell compelling stories about Binzhou and China.