Culture Café: China
On Friday, October 3 at 6:00 PM, HSE University will open a new season of its Culture Café series with a vibrant journey into the world of China. The event will take place at HSE Pokrovka (11 Pokrovsky Blvd), Room D108, and is organized by the International Student Network (ISN HSE) together with International Student Support (ISS). Culture Café is one of HSE’s most beloved student traditions. It is a series of biweekly events where students from different countries present their home cultures in an informal café-style setting. The concept, launched years ago by ISS, has become a cornerstone of intercultural student life. Past editions have featured cuisine, games, music, and traditions from countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Why China?
China is an ideal country to launch this year’s Café. With one of the world’s oldest civilizations, China offers breathtaking landscapes, millennia-old traditions, and a dynamic contemporary culture that fascinates students everywhere. The hosts will present authentic aspects of their culture, inviting fellow HSE students to see, taste, and experience a piece of Chinese life right on campus.
What Awaits You at the Event
Participants can expect a lively evening full of interactive activities and cultural showcases, such as:
- Chinese food and tea, taste authentic snacks and enjoy a tea corner where you can learn about traditional brewing practices.
- Cultural attire, discover traditional Chinese clothing such as hanfu and qipao, and learn about their symbolism.
- Calligraphy workshop, try writing your name in Chinese characters under the guidance of student hosts.
- Music and dance, enjoy performances or recordings of Chinese songs, dances, and instruments.
- Games and trivia, take part in fun cultural quizzes with small prizes for winners.
- Storytelling, learn about Chinese legends, modern youth culture, and personal stories from students.
- The relaxed, café-style setup will make it easy to move between stations, chat with hosts, and ask questions. This format encourages real dialogue and friendly cultural exchange.
The Purpose of Culture Café
More than entertainment, Culture Café is a platform for building intercultural understanding and student community. It allows international students to share a piece of home while giving Russian and other international students the chance to learn directly from peers.
Events like this contribute to HSE’s diverse and welcoming atmosphere, supporting friendships across borders and enriching academic life. They are also a reminder that intercultural communication is not only a theory to study, but also a practice to live.
Practical Details
When: Friday, October 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Where: HSE Pokrovka, 11 Pokrovsky Blvd, Room D108
Who: HSE students only
Registration: Required (form closes on October 3 at 12:00 AM)
Register here: https://forms.yandex.ru/u/68c939e7f47e734ebb139dba
Call to Action
Don’t miss the chance to start your weekend by immersing yourself in Chinese traditions, tasting new flavors, meeting new friends, and learning something unexpected.
The Culture Café: China is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, other countries will take the stage and present their own Cafés, turning HSE into a kaleidoscope of world cultures.
We look forward to seeing you at Pokrovka, come ready to eat, dance, play, and connect!
Invitation by
