To further implement the educational philosophy of studying in China in the new era and strengthen international students' understanding of China's national conditions, from February 9 to 10, 2026, Xia Mi, a Russian student at the International School of Yunnan Arts University (YNAU), participated as a cultural experience ambassador in the "Chinese New Year Celebrations in Villages – Gengma Spring Festival Special Program" hosted by the Yunnan branch of China News Service. This event served as a vibrant bridge for cultural exchanges between China and other countries.

The program adopted a format combining "documentary observation" and "reality show exploration." Xia Mi and Chinese language teacher Zhu Yewudai visited the local market to purchase New Year supplies, learned the intangible cultural heritage technique of Dai puppet show, and experienced folk customs such as the Dai swing prayer for blessings and the Wa people's rice cake pounding. Through joyful interactions with local people, they truly felt the happiness of diverse ethnic groups living in harmony in the border area.

The Spring Festival program, centered around the symbolic themes of "fire" and "horse," showcased the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture and the aspirations of borderland communities for a better life. By participating in and sharing this experience from an international perspective, Xia Mi served as a civilian ambassador of cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Her involvement vividly demonstrated the harmonious integration and shared prosperity of diverse ethnic cultures.

This event is a concrete practice of YNAU's efforts to deepen international students' understanding of China's national conditions and implement an educational approach grounded in hands-on experiences. The university will continue to build platforms for cultural exchanges, guide international students to tell China's stories, and foster exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations.