iHUB Research Program Brings Lantern Festival to Life with Fun, Interactive Events

The 2025 iHUB Research Program is bringing the Lantern Festival to life with a series of exciting activities, running from February 8th through the Lantern Festival itself. Hosted at the iHUB camp in Shanghai, this event offers students and professors the chance to dive into the rich traditions of Chinese culture—filled with lantern riddles and festive games. It’s an opportunity to experience firsthand the customs of this age-old celebration while also promoting cultural exchange through fun, hands-on activities.

The Lantern Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, is one of China’s most important holidays. It marks the end of the New Year festivities and symbolizes family unity, the arrival of spring, and the pursuit of happiness.

One of the most beloved traditions of the Lantern Festival is solving lantern riddles. This year, iHUB adds an exciting twist by offering riddles in both Chinese and English. This bilingual approach makes the experience accessible to everyone, allowing both students and professors to enjoy the challenge of these fun, mind-bending puzzles while embracing cultural exchange. The riddles cover everything from word games to general knowledge to brain teasers—engaging participants in both playful and thought-provoking ways.

Another key tradition is writing the character ‘福’ (fu), which symbolizes good fortune and happiness for the year ahead. This activity, which was a favorite at iHUB’s 2024 events, gives participants the chance to try their hand at Chinese calligraphy and create a personal piece of cultural art. It’s a meaningful way to connect with a centuries-old tradition and bring good vibes to the year ahead.

The ring toss game is a fun and competitive activity that’s commonly found in China’s lively night markets. It adds a lighthearted, playful vibe to the event as participants toss rings onto small objects, testing their accuracy and coordination.

Multi-layered stamping is another fan favorite at iHUB. This year, we’ve incorporated iconic Shanghai landmarks—such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund—into the stamp designs. This activity blends traditional Chinese culture with modern elements of Shanghai, making it a great way for students and professors to create personal souvenirs while celebrating the city’s unique blend of old and new. It’s also a fun way to commemorate the event and share the joy with others.

At iHUB, we’re passionate about promoting cultural diversity and fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Through events like the Lantern Festival celebration, we give participants the opportunity to connect with both the traditional and modern aspects of Chinese culture—from ancient festivals to the tastes and trends popular with today’s youth. These activities offer a unique way to dive into Chinese customs and traditions, while also experiencing the excitement of innovation. iHUB is proud to be a platform for these exchanges, and we’re looking forward to more events in the future that continue to celebrate cultural diversity.