On December 28, 2024, the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University (METU) successfully hosted the Spring Festival Culture Fair for Turkish and Chinese Students.Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Turkey and the Ankara Chinese Community Association attended the event. A total of 80 participants, including 40 Chinese and Turkish students (16 Chinese and 24 METU students) and 26 parents, took part in the festivities.

The event featured a variety of engaging cultural activities. Students were paired as cultural exchange partners through a lottery system and participated in traditional Chinese cultural experiences. The lively atmosphere was filled with laughter as students immersed themselves in Chinese culture. After completing all tasks, students redeemed their punch cards for New Year gifts, bringing home festive joy and blessings.

In addition, the event featured a special Chinese food tasting session. Chinese parents thoughtfully prepared a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, offering students a culinary feast that allowed them to experience Chinese festive culture and family traditions while savoring the flavors.

At the end of the event, METU students guided their Chinese counterparts on a campus tour. This session not only showcased METU's academic atmosphere and campus culture but also provided students with more opportunities for interaction and exchange.

This celebration brought together Chinese children living in Turkey and Turkish students learning Chinese at METU, pairing them as cultural exchange partners. Through diverse cultural activities, participants deepened their understanding, built lasting friendships, and gained invaluable cross-cultural experiences. For METU students, it also provided a chance to practice Chinese, showcase the university's academic and cultural spirit, and serve as role models for the younger generation.

The event not only promoted cultural exchange but also underscored the Confucius Institute's role as a bridge for fostering communication and friendship between the youth of China and Turkey. Praised by participants and guests, the Confucius Institute at METU plans to continue leveraging its strengths in language education and cultural exchange, contributing to deeper understanding and stronger ties between the two nations.