Tianjin University opens on April 3rd to celebrate the annual Crabapple Season, attracting visitors with various events and activities. Faculty and students, together with alumni and residents of Tianjin, enjoyed both beautiful crabapple blossoms and unique university culture at this grand festival.
This year marks the 6th Crabapple Festival at the university, and it has already developed into an integral part of campus culture. Consisting of performances, exhibitions and other events, the festival demonstrates the time-honored history and remarkable achievements of Tianjin University.
The opening ceremony of the rebuilt Qiushi Pavilion was also held during this year’s Crabapple festival. Originally built in 1984, the pavilion has been regarded as a Tianjin University landmark. After being rebuilt and renovated for the last six months, it was unveiled in front of the representatives of faculty, students and alumni as an emblem of the motto “Seeking Truth from Facts” and as a reminder of the splendid history and bright future of the university.
The rebuilt Qiushi Pavilion being unveiled by President Zhong Denghua, the designer,an alumni representative and a student representative.
On the day of the festival, State-level and Ministry-level laboratories at Tianjin University opened to visitors. There were also scientific exhibitions on campus, which showed the university’s latest achievements in scientific and technological research.
Students explaining experiments to visitors in the lab.
Young visitors enjoying the scientific exhibition at Tianjin University.
Events on traditional art and culture were also held on the festival. In Wang Xuezhong Art Research Institute, calligraphy and painting work by faculty members were displayed to traditional Chinese culture lovers. Liu Jun, a student of Wang’s, drew a painting of crabapple blossoms to introduce traditional painting to visitors. Moreover, a diverse collection of performances also light up the artistic and cultural atmosphere—visitors were impressed with the chorus, operas and dances by Peiyang Art Troupe and many other events including tea ceremonies, paper cutting and poem reading.
Jian Hongxin, an international student from Cambodia, participated in the poem reading performance. “As a Chinese major, I am deeply interested in the Chinese language and Chinese culture, and this festival gave me a good chance to learn more about the culture of China and the university.” Jian said after the performance.
Students read their poems at the festival.
Liu Jun, a student of Wang Xuezhong, draws a traditional painting of crabapple blossoms and introduces the techniques to visitors on site.
Peiyang Troupe performing Beijing Opera in front of the audience.
Foreign visitors show interests in the traditional painting exhibition.
Visitors joining in games and activities on the festival.
Spring is also a season for sports. Sports events, from volleyball and table tennis to martial arts and traditional archery, were held on campus to show the active and healthy lifestyle of students.
Students performing taekwondo on the Festival.
The Crabapple Season is also a good time for alumni to come back to their alma mater and recall their days of youth. Alumni can take photos in baccalaureate gowns and take a postcard specifically designed for the Crabapple Season. Jia Xiang, a scientific researcher who got his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Tianjin University ten years ago, came back during the festival. “I come back on the festival every year and every time I see changes. Students are becoming more energetic and they have more new ideas. I sincerely hope that, as a comprehensive university, Tianjin University can make a greater contribution to achieving Two Centenary Goals.” Young alumni also gained strength and confidence in their visit to their alma mater. Zhang Xinyuan, with her three classmates, came to the festival after their graduation from the School of Marxism last year. Now they have been working as teachers in middle schools and colleges. “I made wishes under a crabapple tree and they were all realized. So now I’m here again.”
An alumni couple who graduated in 1999 taking a picture on campus.
Young alumni who have become teachers came back to their alma mater.
Besides scientific, artistic and sporting events, some others are organized in order to make Tianjin University better known to the public. The History Museum at TJU received a great number of teenage visitors who are interested in the university famous for her glorious history. Students from middle schools, under the leadership of their teachers, came to visit. “We hope that students can learn more about the history of the university”, said Ms. Qiao, a teacher from the 100th Middle School. “It’s amazing! I’ve taken part in many quizzes and collected many souvenirs”, Fan Jingming, a middle school student, exclaimed.
Meanwhile, advisors at the university also answered questions regarding admission and enrollment from parents and students. According to Mr. Fang, who worked at the University Admission Committee, over 20 middle schools in Tianjin, Xinhua Middle School and the 1st Middle School included, were invited to the university and all the students and parents will be provided with materials containing information related to TJU.
Middle school students visiting the History Museum.
Students from junior high schools joining activities organized by the University Admission Committee.
During the festival, the university also became a spring outing destination for citizens. Ms. Chen bought her 7-year-old daughter here to enjoy the blossoms. “Flowers can be seen everywhere in spring, but I believe it’s different in universities. I want my daughter to feel the atmosphere at Tianjin University.”
Apart from the events mentioned above, visitors were also welcome to write down their wishes to friends, families and Tianjin University. All visitors were encouraged to express love and discover the beauty in daily life.
Bookmarks with wishes are hanging on crabapple trees.
Visitors putting down their best wishes on cards.
The festival this year was also characterized by scientific and technological innovations. It was broadcast live online and a total of over 2.74 million people watched this great event. What’s more, it was the first time for people to be able to enjoy the festival online via aerial photos.
The festival captured in an aerial photo.
Spanning from April 1th to April 10th, the Crabapple Season encompasses a series of events. Lectures, online activities and the like are expected to be held in the following days.
By: Tang Weiyi
Editors: Qin Mian, Christopher Peter Clarke, and Yin Shiyu
