An international student harvests rice in the rice paddies. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A unique harvest celebration unfolded in the rice fields of Taokeng village in Fenghua district, Ningbo, on Nov 16 as Chinese and international students from the Ningbo Univeristy participated in a vibrant rice-cutting competition during the annual New Rice Harvest Festival.

Organized by the Business School of Ningbo University, in partnership with Qiucun town, the "Walking Culture Classroom" event brought together more than 40 students and teachers to embrace the rural harvest spirit and celebrate the achievements of rural development.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in various agricultural activities, immersing themselves in the spirit of rural life. In the rice-cutting competition, international students, with their pants rolled up, called for help and cheered each other on as they navigated the rice paddies. Additionally, an extra activity allowed students to work together with local craftsmen to soak beans and grind soy milk, filling a large bucket with their homemade concoction within a short timeframe.

Malak, a student from Morocco, expressed his excitement at being part of the harvest festival, describing it as incredibly enjoyable.

Wu Min, deputy secretary of the school’s Party Committee, said that the "Walking Culture Classroom" event was a great opportunity for students to experience rural life, understand the importance of agriculture, and appreciate the hard work involved.

An international student threshes rice. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]