The Mid-Autumn Festival is a cultural code deeply embedded in the veins of the Chinese people. It is not only about the moon, but about the essence of being “together.” For thousands of years, the moon’s radiance has illuminated our most heartfelt longing for reunion, with poetic sentiments taking root in every generation.
To create an immersive experience of this cultural warmth, the School of International Studies at Peking University, together with Zhejiang University Xinyu Property, will host the Mid-Autumn Festival event “Moonlight Over the Sky, Osmanthus Fragrance Filling the Courtyard” on the afternoon of Friday, September 26, 2025. We warmly invite all faculty and students to awaken cultural memories through hands-on activities, and to savor the joy of reunion in shared moments together.
The event will consist of two sessions. Faculty and students will roll up their sleeves, collaborate closely, and together create a festive and heartwarming Mid-Autumn celebration.
— Skillful Hands Shaping the Moon, Three Workshops Celebrating Reunion —
Workshop 1: Crystal Moonlight · Snow-Skin Mooncake Studio
With a gentle press of the fingertips, snowy-white pastry envelopes a sweet filling; a carved mold imprints a unique Mid-Autumn memory. Guided by instructors, participants will mix the dough, wrap the fillings, and use traditional molds to create delicately crafted snow-skin mooncakes.
Workshop 2: Pearls of Reunion · Glutinous Rice Dumpling Studio
As glutinous rice flour rises in the air, round dumplings take shape, carrying blessings within sesame and red bean paste. Participants will learn to prepare dough, wrap fillings, and master sealing techniques. Small groups will cook the dumplings on-site, with the first batch sent directly to the tasting session in the evening feast.
Workshop 3: Light and Shadow in Hand · Lantern Craft Studio
Thin bamboo frames form a round moon, while paper glows with autumn light. Participants will assemble traditional lantern kits, attach handwritten blessing slips, and finally take home their handmade lanterns as festive souvenirs.
— Lanterns Glow, Laughter Flows · A Banquet of Reunion —
Seasonal Tastes of Autumn · Culinary Showcase
From the sweet flavors of Jiangnan to the savory delights of the North, the buffet will feature signature Mid-Autumn delicacies such as osmanthus cakes and roast duck, offering a culinary journey of reunion across regions.
Songs Beneath the Moon · Free Performance Stage
During the “Songs Beneath the Moon” talent segment, participants are encouraged to showcase their gifts—whether through song, poetry, or dance—turning personal expression into the brightest star of the evening.
Lantern Riddles · Festive Fun and Wisdom
Interwoven throughout the banquet will be a lively lantern riddle contest. Six carefully designed riddles await participants; those who answer correctly will win symbolic Mid-Autumn gifts and the honor of claiming the “Moon Palace Laurel Crown.”
Time: Friday, September 26, 2025, from 14:00
Venue: Small and Large Rooms of the School of International Studies, and the back garden
Participants: All faculty and students of the School of International Studies
Planned Capacity: 80 participants
Registration: Scan the QR code below to sign up
Wherever you are from, tonight we all sit beneath the same moonlight, embodying the true meaning of “reunion.” We sincerely invite all faculty and students of the School of International Studies to join the “Moonlight Over the Sky, Osmanthus Fragrance Filling the Courtyard” Mid-Autumn Festival celebration under the “I-SISers” Program. Let us mold mooncakes filled with blessings, carry lanterns that brighten the autumn night, and solve riddles crafted with care—making this Mid-Autumn Festival tangible, warm, and unforgettable.
We await you at SIS,
To craft the warmest memories of this autumn!
On July 4, 2023, the School of International Studies officially launched the “I-SISers” Program and the International Youth Exchange Forum. The program aims to build a platform for exchange between Chinese and international students, and to promote mutual learning among civilizations. Since its inception, the program has hosted writing workshops, lunch talks, garden parties, and other activities designed to foster intercultural communication. As one of the series under the theme of Fine Traditional Chinese Culture, this Mid-Autumn Festival event seeks to celebrate and promote Chinese traditional culture, while deepening faculty and students’ understanding and appreciation of these cultural treasures.