EVENT RECAP | MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL GATHERING FOR INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS IN SHUNDE
To promote cultural exchange between China and other countries and enable international friends working and living in Shunde to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural charm of traditional Chinese festivals, the “Mid-Autumn Festival Gathering for International Friends in Shunde” was successfully held on September 21 at the Louvre International Furniture Exhibition Center. The event was guided by the Foshan Foreign Affairs Bureau and jointly organized by Shunde Foreign Affairs Bureau, Shunde Overseas Scholar Association, and Louvre Furnishings Group, with support from the Lecong Foreigners’ Administration and Service Center.
Wu Huiying, Director of Foshan Foreign Affairs Bureau; Kuang Jinhao, Section Chief of Shunde Foreign Affairs Bureau; Wu Weiting, Vice President of Louvre Furnishings Group; Hu Zhiqiang, Executive President of Shunde Overseas Scholar Association; Li Jiajing, Vice President; Chen Yuanqian, Secretary-General; Lecong Foreigners’ Administration and Service Center Director Liang Suizhi, representatives from the Lecong Young Entrepreneurs’ Association, Lecong Overseas Students Association, Lecong Foreigners’ Administration and Service Center, and numerous foreign friends residing in Shunde jointly participated in the event.
During the event, Wu Huiying, Director of the Foshan Foreign Affairs Bureau, stated that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional festival of the Chinese nation, embodying the beautiful meanings of reunion, harmony, and harvest. She noted that this event invited friends from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture, thereby fostering mutual understanding and friendship.
▲Wu Huiying, Director of the Foshan Foreign Affairs Bureau
Wu Weiting, Vice President of Louvre Furnishings Group, stated in his address that Louvre stands as a temple of art and history, and more importantly, a bridge for civilizational dialogue. He expressed his hope that all participants would engage in deep exchanges, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the festive occasion together.
▲Wu Weiting, Vice President of Louvre Furnishings Group
Kuang Jinhao, Section Chief of the Shunde Foreign Affairs Bureau, extended special gratitude to foreign friends residing in Shunde for their contributions to Shunde. He warmly stated, “We welcome your valuable opinions and suggestions to further advance Shunde's development.”
▲Kuang Jinhao, Section Chief of the Shunde Foreign Affairs Bureau
Hu Zhiqiang, Executive President of Lecong Overseas Students Association, extended a warm welcome to all guests and participants. He noted that although everyone hails from different countries and regions, this gathering unites them as family. He expressed hope that through this event, all would share in the warmth and beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
▲Hu Zhiqiang, Executive President of Lecong Overseas Students Association
Lanterns have symbolized reunion and illumination since ancient times. Participants meticulously assemble wooden frames, gently affixing delicate colored paper before suspending warm light bulbs within. As each handcrafted lantern is gradually illuminated, soft halos of light gently flow forth—like the bright moon of Mid-Autumn Festival, reflecting reunion.
Soon, everyone immersed themselves in making ice-skin mooncakes. Participants kneaded the dough, wrapped fillings inside, and pressed them into molds—each step performed with focused precision. Amidst laughter and cheer, beautifully shaped mooncakes with intricate patterns came to life in their hands. In that moment, what passed from hand to hand was not just the sweet mooncakes, but the satisfaction of creation and the warmth of companionship.
As the event drew to a close, participants experienced the refined elegance and vitality of the traditional Chinese “golf”—Chui Wan—in the game zone. Meanwhile, friendships blossomed naturally during relaxed conversations in the tea break area.
Making lanterns, baking mooncakes, enjoying reunion... This vibrant traditional experience immersed every participant in the cultural essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival. It was not merely a festive gathering, but a platform for exchange forged through cultural bonds.
The event featured a special tour of Louvre International Furniture Exhibition Center, a nationally recognized 4A-level tourist attraction. Guests explored iconic landmarks including the Golden Hall, Constellation Plaza, and Chair Tower. Amidst exquisite murals, reliefs, and furniture artistry, they experienced the harmonious blend of architecture and aesthetics, gaining a comprehensive appreciation for the charm of Shunde's distinctive industries.
