“Winter Solstice, as grand as the Spring Festival, brings small reunions to the world.” On this traditional festival symbolizing reunion and warmth, the Student Union of the School of Government at Shenzhen University, together with the Political Energy Party Branch, The Family Restaurant, and the Class Committee of the 2022 Public Administration Class 1, co-hosted a heartwarming and joyful dumpling-making event. Supported generously by Xinhui Catering and Xixing Community, the event aimed to enrich students’ extracurricular lives, ease end-of-term stress, and bring the warmth of home and festive cheer to students far from their hometowns. The presence of Ms. Geng Xu, the Party Branch leader, added special meaning as she joined students to celebrate the festival, making the event even more memorable. Let’s revisit this delightful Winter Solstice feast filled with warmth and joy.
01 Meticulous Preparations for a Warm Gathering
In the lead-up to the event, organizers worked tirelessly to ensure everything was ready. Student Union members coordinated resources, liaising with The Family Restaurant to secure high-quality glutinous rice flour, fillings, and utensils. The venue was thoughtfully decorated with tables and chairs arranged to create a festive atmosphere. The 2022 Public Administration Class 1 Committee rallied classmates to participate, encouraging creative contributions to add vibrancy to the event. With everyone’s efforts, the stage was set for the students’ arrival.
02 Teachers and Students Unite for a Joyful Journey
On the event day, the venue buzzed with excitement as members of the Student Union, Youth League Committee, Media Center, Public Administration Class 1 students, and their friends gathered.
Ms. Geng Xu’s arrival brought joy and warmth to the crowd. Engaging warmly with students, Ms. Geng inquired about their studies and lives, encouraging them to relax and enjoy the festive fun. Her presence sparked an even livelier atmosphere, kicking off a delightful dumpling-making journey for teachers and students alike.
03 Making Dumplings, Sharing Warmth
During the dumpling-making session, students rolled up their sleeves with enthusiasm. Some skillfully kneaded dough into thin skins, wrapped sweet fillings, and rolled out perfectly round dumplings. Others, trying for the first time, learned under the patient guidance of experienced peers, soon crafting dumplings they were proud of.
As they worked, students shared stories of their hometown Winter Solstice traditions, filling the air with laughter and chatter. Dumplings came in all shapes—classic rounds, creative squares, hearts, and more—each carrying the students’ hopes for a bright future and blessings for those around them.
04 Unleashing Creativity, Showcasing Youthful Spirit
During the dumpling-making process, students unleashed their creativity, showcasing the vibrancy and spirit of youth. In terms of shapes, they let their imaginations run wild, crafting dumplings into various cartoon figures, such as snowmen and Ultraman.
Manager Xiang from The Family Restaurant crafted large Hubei-style dumplings, symbolizing love and blessings for the School of Government community. These creative dumplings were not just food but a testament to the students’ ingenuity and vibrant energy.
05 Cooking and Tasting, Savoring Sweet Moments
The finished dumplings were sent to The Family Restaurant’s kitchen, where professional chefs cooked them to perfection. Soon, steaming bowls of dumplings were ready. Students lined up orderly to collect their dumplings, savoring the food they had crafted themselves. The soft, sticky, and sweet flavor won everyone’s praise. The joy of their labor and the warmth of the festival made fatigue melt away, leaving everyone relaxed and content.
06 Interdepartmental Bonding, Spreading Warmth
The event drew students from other schools, who joined the dumpling-sharing line, eager to partake. Staff ensured participants received their share while distributing extras to peers from other departments, fostering interdepartmental connections and spreading Winter Solstice warmth across Shenzhen University.
07 A Heartwarming Conclusion, Memories to Cherish
The Winter Solstice dumpling-making event concluded in an atmosphere of joy and warmth. Students left the event filled with joy and warmth, their smiles becoming the most beautiful scene of this Winter Solstice. The event offered relaxation amid busy studies, strengthened bonds between teachers and students, and reinforced the sense of family within the School of Government.
Special thanks go to Xinhui Catering and Xixing Community for their generous support, Ms. Geng Xu for her guidance, and all staff and students who organized and participated. May these warm memories carry everyone through a successful finals season and into a joyful new year!
Wishing everyone success in finals and a Happy Spring Festival! See you next year!
Text: Chen Qixin
Layout: Li Huan
Initial Review: Zheng Shiqi, Cai Yuntong
Second Review: Huang Fang
Final Review: Zhang Guoqiang
