Wenzhou University Celebrates Songkran Festival with Thai Students in Nanpuxi

On April 13, coinciding with Thailand's traditional New Year celebration, Songkran (Water Festival), Wenzhou University organized a group of 18 Thai international students to visit the Nanpuxi Scenic Area in Taishun County. The event, titled"The First Longweitang International Water Carnival and Sino-Thai Songkran Cultural Exchange," aimed to create a warm and festive atmosphere for Thai students, allowing them to feel at home while fostering deeper cultural integration between China and Thailand.

The event began with a traditional ceremony where the Nanpuxi Town Government presented the students with symbolic She ethnic group ribbons, conveying New Year blessings. During the opening ceremony, the"Wenzhou University International Student National Education Practice Base" was officially inaugurated. Ding Qiang, Deputy Secretary of the International Education College's Party Committee, attended the unveiling and remarked:"This collaboration is our first attempt, but its significance is profound. In the future, we will bring more international students to Taishun to experience local customs and intangible cultural heritage, helping indigenous culture gain global recognition." Following the ceremony, Thai students performed a meticulously choreographed traditional dance in the water play area. Their graceful movements and vibrant costumes vividly showcased the charm of Thai culture, captivating tourists and earning applause.

Thai students from Wenzhou University splash each other with water symbolizing blessings. Photograph provided by Wenzhou University

Throughout the day, a series of fun activities kept the energy high: tug-of-war in the water, volleyball matches, river snail-catching contests, rubber duck races, and watermelon-eating competitions. The Thai students enthusiastically participated, thoroughly enjoying themselves."This is my first time visiting Nanpuxi. The landscape here is breathtaking, and the water activities are incredibly fun. I’ve had an unforgettable Songkran Festival in Wenzhou!" said Feng Qing, an international student dressed in traditional Thai attire. During the free activity session, students armed themselves with water guns and basins, splashing each other with water—a symbol of blessings. Amidst the joyful splashes, Chinese and Thai cultures seamlessly intertwined, drawing in spectators who joined the festivities, creating a harmonious cross-cultural scene.

A representative from the Nanpuxi Town Government stated:"This event is not only a'friendship gathering' between the scenic area and international youth but also an immersive cultural exchange between China and Thailand. The students deeply experienced Taishun’s folk customs while feeling the care and support Wenzhou University extends to its international students." Wenzhou University has always prioritized national cultural education for international students, actively expanding practical platforms by integrating traditional festivals and intangible cultural heritage experiences into its curriculum. This approach allows international students to deepen their understanding of China’s social development and cultural heritage while excelling academically.（ZhongXin）