How about having some free sweet fruits in this hot weather? Recently, Tianjin University (TJU) students had the opportunity to enjoy this treatment. On May 20, 2017, the semiannual Fruit Festival was held at TJU. The Fruit Festival is held by the Fruit Project Committee each semester. During the festival, the committee provides free fruits and interesting fruit-related activities for TJU students.  

Early in the morning, students at Peiyang Park Campus arrived at Tai Lei Square to receive their free fruits. The kinds of fruits were voted for by students on The Fruit Project Committee’s WeChat account prior to the festival, for 2017 the selected fruits were mango and dragon fruit. Students who found spoiled fruits in their packs could seek help from staff at the square and exchange them for better ones. 

In the square, there were some students using suitcases to carry large amounts of fruit. “The reason why we use suitcases,” said a TJU student from the School of Foreign Languages and Literature, “is that male students will carry these fruits for our female classmates, but these fruits are so heavy that we have to use suitcases to carry them. In this way, the girls can easily get free fresh fruits without having to go out. Although it is tough, we are all willing to be of service for the girls.” 

Besides the fruits distribution, several activities were also held by different schools on campus. TJU students could enjoy games and personally make fruit products. The Fruit Sports Meeting, held by the School of Materials Science and Engineering, contained several interesting activities. Participants could play darts, take part in bowling with pins made of plastic bottles, have a go at fruit ring-toss and other games in the sports meeting. People who participated in the guessing game, held by the School of Foreign Languages and Literature, could gain extra packs of fruit. 

TJU students always enjoy the Fruit Festival. During the festival, students will not only taste different kinds of delicious fruits, but also improve their fruit product making skills and learn more knowledge about fruits from the games. The Fruit Project Committee also spreads relevant knowledge on its WeChat.

Mango is high in terms of its nutritional value. It is rich in vitamin A, which can prevent cancer. People who eat mango will also feel benefits in their intestine and stomach. Dragon fruit can be stored for a long time, even in hot season. Seldom does it contain fructose and saccharose, while it is full of glucose, which can be easily absorbed by the body. Both fruits are popular among students, and it was suitable for them to be chosen as the main “participants” due to this hot weather during the festival. 

The Fruit Project, showing affection to our students, has already been held for almost 16 years by TJU. Through the Fruit Festival, TJU commits itself to publicizing the importance of eating a balanced diet and staying healthy. “I like this festival very much” said a student from the School of Science, “As for me, eating fruits is a necessary part in my life. It’s pleasant to see that Tianjin University provides free fruits for us students. I really expect to enjoy the next Fruit Festival!” 

By: Zhang Xuan 

Photo: Liu Jinkun 

Cover Desinger: Wang Zixuan and Zhou Qin

Editors: Qin Mian and Christopher Peter Clarke