On the afternoon of January 29th, the convenience service room on the first floor of the International Student Dormitory was filled with warmth and laughter. The College of International Exchange, in collaboration with the Logistics Support Department and guided by the "Nurturing Hearts Through Culture" National Education Studio, successfully organized the "Skillful Hands Shape Blessings, the Fragrance of Dumplings Blends Sentiments" dumpling-making cultural experience. International students from various countries gathered with Qin Qing, Deputy Secretary of the College, and other faculty members. Amidst the aroma of flour and filling, they collectively experienced the warmth of Chinese traditional culinary culture and festive celebrations.

The event began with a cultural presentation that unveiled the cultural significance behind dumplings for the international students. Staff members vividly explained how dumplings symbolize reunion and good fortune in Chinese New Year traditions, as well as their historical evolution and regional variations. This allowed the students to gain a deeper cultural understanding of this traditional delicacy before rolling up their sleeves to make their own.

Next came the lively hands-on experience. Rolling pins moved back and forth, turning dough into round wrappers; chopsticks stirred lightly, releasing the fragrant aroma of the meat and vegetable fillings. Under the careful guidance of logistics staff and college instructors, the international students gradually learned how to roll out the wrappers, add fillings, and seal the edges. Although many were making dumplings for the first time and their movements were a bit unpracticed, everyone remained focused and engaged, slowly mastering the techniques. Soon, plates were gradually filled with dumplings of all shapes and sizes.

After mastering the basic techniques, the students began to unleash their creativity. Some crafted delicate pleated edges, while others shaped their dumplings into unique forms, producing a collection of dumplings with an "international flair." The students unanimously shared that the dumpling-making activity was truly enjoyable. Not only did they learn a new skill, but they also felt a warmth reminiscent of home.

As the dumplings were lowered into the pot and steam began to rise, the event transitioned into the warm and interactive "Sharing and Tasting" session. Everyone gathered around, enjoying the dumplings they had made themselves, accompanied by light tea and conversation. They shared holiday traditions and food stories from their respective countries. The college also prepared small surprise New Year gifts for everyone, spreading warmth and well-wishes into the hands of each participant.

Amidst the rising steam, laughter in different accents intertwined. Though small in size, each dumpling carried blessings and wove connections, allowing students from around the world to feel the warmth of traditional Chinese culture and the care of the college during the chilly winter days.

This event not only allowed the international students to experience the joy of making traditional Chinese food but also, through the process of kneading dough, rolling wrappers, mixing fillings, and sealing dumplings, built a silent bridge for cultural exchange. It truly embodied the event's theme of "Shaping Hearts with Hands, Connecting Friendships through Dumplings." The ongoing Dormitory Culture Festival will continue to offer a variety of rich and diverse cultural experience activities, further fostering an inclusive, friendly, and diverse campus international atmosphere.