Students at Western Academy of Beijing had a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture as the country prepares to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival.

WAB’s Language Department, China Studies Department, and Chinese Culture Clubs came together to host an afternoon of activities that invited students to immerse themselves in festive customs and learn the history and significance of one of China’s most widely celebrated holidays.

Students painted Lord Rabbit, a Ming Dynasty legend, to whom Chinese people pray for health, happiness, and reunions with their family members. Teachers shared Chinese history lessons about the origins of the festival, including Goddess Chang’s Flight to the Moon and shared some of the best spots to view the harvest moon in Beijing during the coming long weekend. They also had the chance to explore China’s diversity and changes by trying on a wide variety of traditional clothing from eras throughout the country’s history.

While all of the activities created an exciting and celebratory atmosphere, one activity stood out for many of the students. A visit from the renowned Beijing DaoXiangCun Food Company was a highlight of the day, as their talented chefs taught students how to make moon cakes, the most famous and traditional Mid-Autumn snack. Of course, eating the mooncakes after the class was a highlight.

Cultural, historical, artistic, and culinary exploration brought students from a diverse range of backgrounds together to celebrate some China’s most beloved holiday traditions.

中秋快乐！Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!