Studying Chinese language and culture is a vital part of the global education that YCIS provides for its international students in Shanghai. To welcome in the Chinese New Year and the “Year of the Monkey”, the school’s Regency Park and Hongqiao Campuses recently held events for the entire school community to enjoy.

At the Regency Park Campus, students were treated to a series of traditional performances by their classmates during the school day, and had the opportunity to wear traditional Chinese clothing to school. During the evening, students and their families gathered on campus to watch a special presentation of student performances, and enjoy delicious foods and activities related to the holiday. Upon arrival, families were given a “map” and were able to travel to 12 different classrooms, in addition to the indoor courtyard and hall, to learn more about the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and to participate in Chinese culture related games and craft activities. All classroom activities were carefully organised by Secondary students from the Century Park Campus for their younger classmates.

At the Hongqiao Campus event, students and their families enjoyed a Saturday afternoon of performances from both students and professional performers, including traditional Chinese dances and music. During the weekend event, guests also experienced a range of traditional Chinese art, exhibited by local folk artists. Attendees also sampled the scrumptious Chinese snacks available in the cafeteria.

Before students depart for their Chinese New Year holiday break, an abundance of New Year activities take place in every classroom at YCIS. This week at the school’s Gubei Campus, there will be a special Chinese New Year celebration for all Lower Secondary students (Years 7-9), integrated with their weekly Chinese Studies Course. Students will be able to enjoy a range of fun cultural activities including calligraphy, Chinese poetry, paper cutting, tai chi, and much more.

Although Chinese New Year is an opportune time to focus on Chinese traditions, students at YCIS Shanghai study Chinese language and culture all year round through the school’s robust Chinese Language and Culture Programme. To learn more about it, please click here.