To promote traditional Chinese culture and strengthen international students’ sense of belonging, International School of Shanghai International Fashion Education Center (SIFEC) held a cultural workshop on November 28, themed around the 24 Solar Terms. The event combined cultural introduction with hands-on practice, offering students an immersive experience of Chinese aesthetics and philosophy.

The workshop attracted international students from Istituto Marangoni Shanghai School, SIFEC International School, and SIFEC Fashion School. The session began with an introduction to the 24 Solar Terms, highlighting their scientific and cultural significance through examples such as their use in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. A calligraphy segment followed, comparing Eastern and Western writing traditions and introducing the characteristics and contemporary relevance of Chinese calligraphy, supported by interactive activities around the “Four Treasures of the Study.”

Focusing on Winter Solstice, a key solar term symbolizing seasonal transition, students practiced calligraphy and creative painting on traditional round fans. Through writing and painting, participants experienced the structural beauty of Chinese characters and the expressive depth of brush and ink.

During the event, students also enjoyed traditional Chinese refreshments. In an informal exchange, faculty members introduced SIFEC’s history, academic strengths, and its connection to Shanghai’s fashion industry, helping students gain a clearer understanding of the institution and its professional context.

More than a cultural activity, the workshop served as a bridge between tradition and modernity, and between Chinese and international cultures. By engaging with solar terms and calligraphy, students deepened their appreciation of Chinese cultural values and strengthened their connection with SIFEC. SIFEC International School will continue to offer a series of cultural programs to support international students’ cultural understanding and artistic engagement.