On the afternoon of January 23, the “Dancing Snake Welcomes the New Year, Science Blossoms with New Colors” Spring Festival celebration for students and faculty who stayed on campus was successfully held at the first floor restaurant and café of Lui Che Woo Science Park.Attendees included Liang Qi (Party Secretary of the Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study), Jiang Yanyuan (Deputy Party Secretary), Zhao Degang (Deputy Dean), and students and teachers from ZIAS, the Center for Frontier Science of Transformative Molecules, the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, and Renji Hospital of the School of Medicine, who gathered together to celebrate the coming Year of the Snake.

Ink and Paper, Spring Arrives in Color

The event invited Mr. Zhu Xia from the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics to write auspicious Spring Festival couplets, the character "福" (Blessing), and personalized calligraphy with creative flair.His graceful brushstrokes attracted many students and teachers to watch and admire.Meanwhile, the DIY Chinese knot and paper-cutting area was bustling with activity. Participants enthusiastically crafted intricate paper decorations and knotted festive ornaments, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with the spirit of the New Year.

书法

对联

Games and Joy Non-Stop

In the pitch-pot (touhu) area, families with children eagerly participated in this traditional cultural game.Parents demonstrated the techniques patiently, while children watched with curiosity and were eager to try, fully focused on hitting each target.The board game zone also drew crowds with games like Jenga, UNO, and Monopoly, offering a blend of traditional culture and modern fun.

Dumpling Feast – The Joy of Shared Labor

As evening approached, the traditional dumpling-making activity began in the first-floor dining hall.Participants wrapped their New Year wishes and blessings into each hand-made dumpling.The shared experience further strengthened bonds among students and faculty.Additionally, the institute thoughtfully prepared surprise New Year gift bags for each student who stayed on campus, ensuring that collective warmth and care accompanied everyone into the new year.

包饺子

特色年夜饭

过小年 迎大年

As evening approached, the traditional dumpling-making activity began in the first-floor dining hall.Participants wrapped their New Year wishes and blessings into each hand-made dumpling.The shared experience further strengthened bonds among students and faculty.Additionally, the institute thoughtfully prepared surprise New Year gift bags for each student who stayed on campus, ensuring that collective warmth and care accompanied everyone into the new year.

Student Reflections

Lou Xing, Ph.D. student (Class of 2021), Future Materials Creation Center:

“It’s been a long time since I had the chance to truly relax with everyone like this. It felt just like celebrating New Year as a child again. The 'New Year’s Eve dinner' provided by the canteen was wonderful. This event has recharged me to continue my research journey.”

Ouyang Zhaofeng, Ph.D. student (Class of 2022), Center for Frontier Science of Transformative Molecules:“I’m very grateful to ZIAS for organizing such a warm and joyful event, which created a harmonious and happy environment for study and life. The atmosphere was lively, everyone was full of energy, and we not only felt the festive cheer but also deepened our sense of belonging to the institute. May the light of wisdom shine like the stars, and the road of innovation flow like a river. Wishing ZIAS a prosperous New Year with great scientific achievements!”

Chen Hongyuan, Ph.D. student (Class of 2019), Tsung-Dao Lee Institute:“As a student living at ZIAS, I was fortunate to participate in the 2025 Spring Festival event. Students and teachers from various institutes gathered together, enriching our interactions. The hearty dinner comforted those returning late, and the carefully prepared gifts were a delightful surprise. Carrying ZIAS’s blessings, we’re ready to embark on a new journey and achieve new milestones in 2025.”

Hu Muni, Ph.D. student (Class of 2023), Renji Clinical Medical School:“I felt deeply honored to join this festive event. For new residents like us, it was heartwarming and welcoming. From pitch-pot and calligraphy to paper-cutting and dumpling-making, every activity was filled with laughter and warmth. These experiences not only showcased the charm of traditional culture but also highlighted the unity and warmth of our academic community. Thank you to ZIAS for thoughtfully organizing this event and for creating a platform that brought us all together. It added warmth and color to our academic life. Wishing everyone a bold and soaring new year, and even greater success for ZIAS!”