Under the luminous moon casting its glow across the land, students from around the world at Peking University came together in celebration. This Mid-Autumn gathering, set to the theme of reunion and friendship, continued the cherished vision of a "North-South joint celebration under the shared moon." It created a harmonious evening that blended Eastern and Western traditions.
A specially designed "North-South collaboration" mooncake—carrying warmth from the southern campus—became a sweet, cross-cultural delight, allowing Chinese and international students to savour the meaning of unity under the same moon. Meanwhile, a cultural gift imbued with PKU spirit travelled northward as a token of blessing, its thoughtful design building bridges between students of all backgrounds.
Two campuses, one bond. More than just a festive event, the gathering resonated deeply, letting students from around the world feel the warmth of home in the moonlight over PKU’s grounds, and drawing strength to move forward together.
On the evening of September 26, after a light rain, with clouds drifting gently across the sky, the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Garden Party—"North and South Under One Moon"—began warmly by Mirror Lake. Meticulously organized by the PKU Shenzhen Graduate School Student Assembly, the event drew over 700 students and faculty from across campus, along with many guests from neighbouring communities. Laughter and cheerful conversations filled the air as everyone immersed themselves in an autumn evening rich with cultural charm.
At the Craft Pavilion, participants eagerly selected kits with bamboo frames or floral materials to handcraft traditional-style lanterns. Many later carried their creations to photo spots, capturing the charm of strolling with lanterns under the moon in an ambience full of festive warmth.
In the Wellness Pavilion, students carefully picked natural ingredients like mugwort and osmanthus to compose personalised sachets. As fragrant pouches took shape, the delicate scent of herbs filled the space—connecting everyone to both craftsmanship and centuries of seasonal blessings.
Around basins in the Artistry Pavilion, students focused on the mesmerising process of "painting on water" to create lacquer fans. Each fan emerged unique, its marbled patterns showcasing the distinctive beauty of this intangible cultural heritage.
At the Calligraphy Pavilion, participants concentrated on brushing poetic phrases onto natural wood slices, blending classical art with organic texture. Many also chose special wooden fridge magnets—taking home a lasting memory of autumn’s poetic spirit.
The Sugar Art Pavilion was filled with a sweet aroma as students gathered around stations to try their hand at sugar painting. Using copper ladles, they drizzled molten syrup onto marble slabs as though drawing with "edible ink." Some recreated classic Mid-Autumn motifs like rabbits and moons with malt sugar; others experimented with colourful macaron-style syrups for modern designs. As each piece was completed, that moment of melting sweetness on the tongue offered not just a treat, but a taste of heritage and innovation alike.
Over in the games zone, the atmosphere was lively and full of cheers. At the chuiwan station, players focused carefully to swing their mallets and land balls smoothly into jars. Nearby, a “Stacking Jade Rabbits” game tested steady hands and patience, while “Fishing for Mooncakes” brought thrilling moments as participants nimbly used long chopsticks to grab treats against the clock. Cheers and laughter echoed throughout—everyone delighting in the playful challenges of traditional games.
Throughout the "North-South Mid-Autumn Garden Party," participants also enjoyed guessing lantern riddles and writing poetic wishes. They received exclusive collaborative mooncakes and PKU cultural gifts. These custom mooncakes—crafted with less sugar and innovative flavours—combined traditional symbolism with a contemporary twist, allowing everyone to appreciate both the festive joy and the cultural idea of “sharing the same moon, though miles apart.”
This successful event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the PKU Shenzhen Graduate School Student Assembly, whose thoughtful and attentive service delivered a captivating cultural experience for all. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each of them.
