The American International School of Guangzhou (AISG) celebrated Chinese New Year with its annual Chinese Culture Day on February 13, bringing together students, teachers, and families across its elementary and secondary divisions for a vibrant, campus-wide event welcoming the Year of the Horse.
At the school's Ersha campus, elementary students and their families began the morning by hanging blessings on a cherry blossom tree, a symbolic gesture for good fortune in the year ahead. The stage performances then opened with a high-energy dragon and lion dance performed by Grade 5 students who trained with professional Cantonese instructors.
Teachers then took the stage to show off their language skills by wishing everyone a happy Chinese New Year and good fortune with idioms in Cantonese.
This year's theme, "The 56 Ethnic Groups of China," shaped the stage program. Performances included a pipa rendition of a dance song of the Yi ethnic group, a puppet show telling "The Mighty Warrior"—the legend of Yang Jian, also known as the great god Erlang—and choral performances of the well-known folk songs "Pomegranate Seeds" and "Jasmine Flower."
A costume showcase highlighted traditional dress from different ethnic communities across China, underscoring the country's cultural diversity. The appearance of the God of Fortune, complete with hongbao (lucky money) treats, drew enthusiastic cheers from students.
Beyond the stage, the gymnasium became a cultural fair, with caregiver volunteers leading booths offering bamboo weaving, Cantonese embroidery, paper cutting, woodblock New Year printmaking, lantern crafting and other experiences.
Secondary students hosted their own Chinese New Year festival, organized by student clubs. Booths featured calligraphy, lantern decorating and cultural exchange activities designed to explore both Chinese traditions and related customs in neighboring Asian cultures.
The Chinese Culture Day at AISG is committed to giving students an authentic, immersive experience of Chinese heritage. It aims to build appreciation and understanding of local culture, fostering its diverse and compassionate community.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Photo | AISG
