As autumn breezes turn crisp and the season deepens, the full moon rises once again—Mid-Autumn Festival is here. Rooted in Chinese culture, this traditional festival embodies cherished hopes for reunion and harmony and carries the timeless poetry of the East. To deepen students’ understanding of traditional Chinese culture and help them experience the unique spirit of Chinese festivals firsthand, the Chinese Department at UISG planned a series of Mid-Autumn-themed activities. Through a variety of hands-on experiences, students were invited on a cultural journey filled with autumn light and moonlight.
Tracing the Moon’s Origins: Culture That Nourishes the Heart
At the beginning of the event, teachers used vivid images, traditional stories, and lively interactive Q&A to guide students back to the roots of Mid-Autumn Festival. The children listened carefully and joined in enthusiastically, gaining a deeper understanding of the festival’s cultural meaning and what the full moon symbolizes: reunion.
Hands-On Moon Crafts: Ancient Traditions Come to Life
To make traditional culture something students could see and touch, the school organized fun craft activities. The children focused intently as they made moon models and painted Chinese round fans by hand. Every stroke carried heartfelt meaning, and their creations were full of creativity and thoughtful touches, expressing wishes for family reunion, peace, and well-being in the years ahead. Through hands-on creation, students experienced the charm of traditional crafts and brought a touch of timeless elegance to the campus.
Lantern Riddles: A Playful Way to Celebrate Mid-Autumn
With lanterns glowing and riddles waiting to be solved, strings of lantern riddles were displayed across the campus. The riddles covered a wide range of topics and were both educational and fun. Students gathered in small groups, pausing to think, discussing the clues, and eagerly offering answers. Sometimes they frowned in concentration; sometimes they lit up with sudden insight. By carefully considering every word and phrase, they discovered the joy of traditional culture. Working together, they enjoyed one surprise after another and experienced the unique charm of Chinese lantern riddles.
Under the full moon, we reflect on what brings us together; in the autumn light, new learning takes root. With culture as our guide and experience as our bridge, this Mid-Autumn activity series helped students understand the festival, appreciate their cultural heritage, and enjoy tradition in an immersive way. It enriched campus life, deepened cultural understanding, and allowed traditional Chinese culture to take root in children’s hearts. May the bright moon shine over peaceful lands, and may autumn bring health and happiness year after year. On this special Mid-Autumn occasion, UISG wishes all teachers, students, and parents a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival and a happy reunion. May your family be blessed with peace, health, and success in all that you do.
Under a Sky of Lanterns: Celebrating Mid-Autumn in K1
A special warmth filled K1 classroom as they celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival. As an IB international school in Guangzhou, we embrace our host country’s culture. The children discovered Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit, explored moon phases with clay and rice wafers, made Play-Doh mooncakes, and tasted real ones. Lanterns, watercolor paintings, soft melodies, and sensory play brought the season to life.
More than a routine, it became a ritual: our children didn’t just learn about the festival — they learned to love it. At heart, Mid-Autumn is about togetherness, gratitude, and the moon that connects us all. By welcoming it into our classroom, we help children feel part of a bigger community and world.
Wishing all our families a joyous Mid-Autumn filled with light, laughter, and togetherness. Happy Mid-Autumn from K1!
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