The Spring Festival has always been a time of gathering, going back home and embracing new beginnings. A season filled with warmth, joy, and the celebration of national and local traditions. However, this year, the festival became very special for me, as the gala stage was brought to Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, the location of my university, Zhejiang University International School of Medicine, and I was among the performers at China's nationally televised 2026 China Media Group Spring Festival Gala.

The moment I walked into the rehearsal hall, I realized the festival was beginning to have new meaning for me this year. The stage was massive, grand and filled with energy. The production scale was also beyond anything I could have imagined. I soon understood the dedication and effort that went into making the gala possible. We spent long nights and undertook many rehearsals to perfect our performance.

Despite the challenges we faced as a team, every moment was truly rewarding. The production crew and fellow performers worked tirelessly to ensure everything went smoothly, and their enthusiasm was truly inspiring, especially that of the children.

One of the best highlights was meeting and being on the same stage with Chinese movie star Jackie Chan. I never imagined that my journey as an international student would lead to such a remarkable experience. Sharing this stage with such an accomplished artist was a profound reminder of the possibilities that come with dedication and passion.

Beyond the gala, my experience of the Chinese New Year this year was equally enriching. This year we celebrated with an annual Chinese New Year dinner hosted by our school, where we wrote the Chinese character fu for good fortune and happiness, designed our own decorations, and made dumplings together. These activities, although they may seem simple, allowed us to experience the festival in a hands-on way, fostering a sense of community among students like us who come from diverse backgrounds.

In the past, my experience of the Chinese New Year was mostly as a visitor, an observer appreciating the beautiful traditions. This year, I experienced it as a participant and contributor. Being part of the gala and celebrating with my fellow students made the festival feel more intimate and meaningful. I felt a sense of pride and belonging that I had not felt in any of my previous years here before.

Now, after three years of celebrating the Chinese New Year in China, I can confidently say that this year was the most memorable and enriching of all.

I feel the experience was an opportunity for me to engage deeply with Chinese culture and traditions. This experience has not only given me lasting memories but it has also strengthened my appreciation of the energy and richness of Chinese culture.

It's my first time living abroad, alone away from my family. But as Yiwu is lively and full of markets and shops, it felt as if there was always something new to explore in my first few years. Sure, it was definitely hard adjusting to the new lifestyle, but people here are really friendly and welcoming, which made it easy for me to feel at home. Now, I feel well adjusted to living in China. 

This Spring Festival reminded me that it is more than a celebration: It is about community, contribution and creating moments that stay forever. It is a reminder that every effort, every rehearsal and every shared smile contributes to these moments, making them unforgettable. What a great way to start the year! BR

The author is a Sri Lankan student at Zhejiang University International School of Medicine 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson 

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