On April 1, Mingli Residential College hosted the “University Student Science, Culture and Arts Festival — The 6th Qingming Willow-Archery and Ritual Archery Intangible Cultural Heritage Competition” at the Chinese Garden. The event was held to promote the educational philosophy of “cultivating virtue through propriety and action, and fostering both moral integrity and talent,” while also celebrating and preserving the richness of traditional Chinese culture.
University leaders, representatives from administrative departments, and heads of residential colleges attended the event. Kong Lingjun, Secretary-General of the Henan Etiquette Culture Development Promotion Association, was invited as a distinguished guest. Faculty members and students with a shared interest in traditional culture also actively participated.
The event opened with a live performance of “Ode to the Yellow Emperor” by members of the Yeyin Qin Society. In their remarks, university leaders highlighted that the Qingming willow-archery competition combines cultural significance with deep spiritual meaning. They noted that it provides a valuable platform for students to engage with and inherit traditional culture. Students were encouraged to appreciate the essence of intangible cultural heritage, embody the values of the residential college, and take an active role in preserving and promoting China’s outstanding cultural traditions.
Following the opening ceremony, a student representative introduced the origins and traditional customs of the Qingming Festival, guiding faculty and students to revisit the cultural significance of this traditional solar term. Kong Lingjun then delivered a presentation on the development, core principles, and contemporary relevance of ritual archery culture. He also led members of the Ritual Archery Study Group in performing a traditional three-bow ancestral tribute ceremony to honor the ancestors of Chinese civilization.
A highlight of the event was the demonstration of the “Ten Forms of Ritual Archery” performed by members of the Mingli Ritual Archery Study Group. Their synchronized movements, balanced with precision and fluidity, vividly showcased the strength and elegance of ritual archery culture, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Following the opening ceremony, the Qingming Willow-Archery Intangible Cultural Heritage Competition officially began. Contestants demonstrated focus and precision as they drew their bows and released arrows, while cheers and encouragement from the audience filled the venue.
After several rounds of intense competition, one first prize, two second prizes, and three third prizes were awarded. Guo Xuede, Dean of Mingli Residential College, Zhang Qian, Deputy Secretary of the Party General Branch, and Kong Lingjun presented awards to the winners, recognizing both their excellent archery skills and their strong sense of etiquette.
Following the competition, three interactive experience zones—archery, tea art, and calligraphy—attracted great enthusiasm from participants. Traditional Qingming activities such as spring outings, willow picking, willow folding, and willow gifting were also carried out simultaneously. Faculty members and students actively engaged in these activities, gaining hands-on experience and immersing themselves in the charm of intangible cultural heritage and the rich cultural significance of traditional solar terms. The atmosphere was lively, engaging, and full of energy.
This event enriched campus cultural life and inspired students’ interest in intangible cultural heritage. It represents an important initiative by Mingli Residential College to promote and preserve outstanding traditional Chinese culture. At the same time, it serves as a concrete practice in fostering moral education, advancing holistic student development, and strengthening the “one-stop” student community model.
