Our students hail from over 20 nations and form our international community in Chongqing, China. They embrace the wonderful opportunities of experiencing Chinese culture, a culture that has lasted for over 5000 years. The Year of the Monkey is approaching, and YCIS Chongqing campus has been alive with Chinese festivities! Students from the whole school have participated in a huge variety of Chinese New Year activities including cooking and tasting, poem recitals, musical performances and exciting games, all related to celebrating the new year.

Our Primary students experienced the rich heritage of Chinese food culture through learning how to make a range of dumplings and then shared their delicious creations with their teachers and friends. Our Secondary students hosted a grand performance involving students from Years 7 to 13, which included fire spitting, fashion shows, musical performances, and three monkey MCs. It was truly a spectacular show enjoyable by all.

Thanks to the help of our YCIS Chinese Department and our generous parents, the campus was able to host a market sale with stalls opened by Years 10 to 13. Each class sold trinkets, souvenirs, and ornaments reminiscent of this year’s zodiac, and our parents contributed to the market with food from their local cultures, creating a mini international food festival in the middle of our Primary playground. Our children were delighted to enjoy the snacks, while also buying gifts for their friends; the afternoon resonated with the jubilant laughter.

Our Chinese teachers planned and worked tirelessly to create this year’s Chinese New Year celebration extravaganza. They decorated our school with red lanterns, scheduled exciting rehearsals, organised games, and put extra effort in ensuring the success of the festivities. Year by year, YCIS Chongqing consistently stresses the importance of appreciating local culture, and we look forward to this tradition in the years to come!