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The Year of the Snake is here, and the Spring Festival—a cornerstone of Chinese tradition—is lighting up celebrations around the world. This year, Takaya Inoue, a Japanese student at Tsinghua University, is immersing himself in the festive atmosphere of Beijing to experience an authentic Chinese New Year.
Inoue plans to spend the holiday with his international friends, exploring the rich customs that make the festival so special. “I’m excited to see how families come together and celebrate,” he shared. “In Japan, we have a similar tradition on January 1st, where we eat soba noodles to pray for a peaceful new year. Just like in China, it’s a time when everyone returns home to be with family.”
For Inoue, the cultural exchange is a highlight of studying abroad. “Experiencing the Chinese New Year firsthand allows me to understand and appreciate the traditions that are important to my friends here,” he said. “It’s a joyful and harmonious time, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.”
The blending of traditions shows how celebrations like the Spring Festival can bridge cultures and bring people together, no matter where they’re from. As Inoue and his friends welcome the new year, they embody the spirit of global unity and shared joy.
