On May 22, 2025, the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University (METU CI) was invited to participate in the university's 36th METU Spring Festival. As one of METU's most important annual events, the festival attracted students and faculty from different countries. Booths representing more than a dozen countries and regions were set up at the Devrim playground, showcasing their unique languages, arts, clothing, cuisines, and other cultural elements. The Confucius Institute booth, carefully prepared by our teachers, became one of the most popular at the event. Its rich and engaging cultural experiences drew the attention of nearly a hundred participants.

With the theme "Experience Chinese Culture, Feel the Charm of China," the booth featured a variety of interactive activities such as Chinese calligraphy, Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) try-on, marbling bookmark making, and shuttlecock kicking. At the calligraphy station, participants tried writing characters such as "中国" (China) and "Türkiye" with traditional brushes under the guidance of Confucius Institute teachers, enjoying the beauty of Chinese characters and the art of calligraphy. The Hanfu try-on area was equally lively. We provided several styles of Hanfu—including designs from the Ming, Tang dynasties—for visitors to wear. Once dressed in Hanfu, participants drew large crowds eager to take photos.

In the marbling bookmark activity, participants experienced the elegance and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese arts. They dripped pigments onto water, stirred patterns with tools, and pressed blank bookmarks onto the surface to create one-of-a-kind designs. The traditional Chinese game of shuttlecock kicking also drew many enthusiastic players. Confucius Institute teachers demonstrated the techniques, filling the space with laughter and joy.

In addition to the hands-on cultural experiences, our teachers introduced METU CI to the participants, including its elective Chinese language courses and related learning resources. Many students expressed a newfound interest in Chinese culture and said they were eager to take Chinese courses and further explore China.

This event not only showcased the unique charm of Chinese culture but also provided an excellent platform for cultural exchange at METU. It significantly boosted the visibility and influence of the Confucius Institute on campus and further promoted Chinese language teaching and cultural outreach. Looking ahead, METU CI will continue to actively participate in campus and community events, using diverse and engaging formats to share Chinese culture with more students and teachers in Türkiye, and to foster greater understanding and friendship between the youth of both countries.