As the Spring Festival draws near, International German School (IGS) Hefei launched a Chinese New Year Fair themed around China’s intangible cultural heritage. Teachers and students from a wide range of countries and regions came together to experience the richness of Chinese New Year traditions and folk customs.

The event opened with an energetic dragon and lion dance. As the performers leapt and swirled, children watched with fascination, chatting excitedly in different languages.

Our Head of School, Ms Heide Schaffer, and our Executive President, Ms Jessie Wu, took part in the traditional “dotting of the lion’s eyes” and handed out red envelopes to share good fortune.In her opening remarks, Ms Schaffer spoke about the Spring Festival as a much-loved Chinese tradition, explaining that the fair was designed to give our diverse community an authentic experience of Chinese New Year customs and to strengthen our commitment to multicultural education.

A thrilling Sichuan “face-changing” performance and the gentle melodies of traditional Chinese music added to the atmosphere. The IGS Choir then gave a beautiful rendition of Jasmine Flower, sparking warm talks about global festival traditions – a truly heartwarming celebration of cultural exchange.

The bustling market stalls were a highlight of the day. Hands-on activities such as Luzhou egg carving, lantern making, bamboo weaving and paper cutting drew large crowds. At the egg-carving stall, younger Chinese-speaking learners proudly stepped in as translators, sharing the auspicious meanings behind the intricate designs.

Families exchanged stories about New Year traditions in Chinese and German while learning paper cutting, and children worked together to create colourful lanterns — building friendships as they explored these traditional crafts.

Other stalls were just as popular, with sugar artists crafting vivid Chinese zodiac figures and calligraphers demonstrating their artistry. Smiles were everywhere as children proudly held their sweet creations.

The fair marked the start of a joyful Spring Festival season. IGS wishes all students, teachers, parents and friends a peaceful and prosperous New Year. May the beauty of intangible cultural heritage continue to connect cultures, and may every child step confidently towards a future without limits, supported by the strength of our multicultural community.