Chinese Students in UK Celebrate Spring Festival with Hope & Reunion

As London’s streets twinkle with red lanterns and the scent of dumplings fills the air, Chinese students across the UK are embracing the Lunar New Year with a mix of nostalgia and fresh aspirations. For many, the Spring Festival isn’t just about fireworks and feasts—it’s a heartfelt reminder of family, cultural roots, and new beginnings.

“Back home, we’d all gather around the TV for the CCTV New Year’s Gala,” says Li Wei, a finance student at University College London. “This year, my flatmates and I streamed it while cooking hotpot. It’s different, but the warmth is still there.”

From sharing homemade nian gao (sticky rice cake) with classmates to video-calling families at midnight, students are blending traditions with their global experiences. Many also see the festival as a time for reflection. “I promised my parents I’ll ace my exams this year,” laughs Zhang Yixing, an engineering major. “But personally, I just want to stay healthy… and finally learn to cook jiaozi properly!”

Amid the laughter, there’s a shared sentiment: Spring Festival symbolizes resilience and connection. As Chen Mei, a literature student, puts it, “Even miles away from home, lighting a lantern feels like carrying forward centuries of hope.”

Reference(s):

Chinese students in England: Spring Festival means reunion and hope

cgtn.com