The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's most cherished traditional holidays, is deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. Known for the rich poetry, it has inspired and customs, the stories of the festival center around the moon, which symbolizes reunion, harmony, and togetherness.

Famous Song Dynasty poet Su Shi (1037-1101) wrote, "May we live long and share the beauty of the moon even if miles apart." These words capture to perfection the longing for one's loved ones and the beauty of shared experiences under the same sky.

Feelings have no borders. Some foreign experts who have been in China for a long time also share this sense of unity and harmony.

Italian sinologist Michele Ferrero at Beijing Foreign Studies University, who has spent 15 years in China, shared his thoughts on the Mid-Autumn Festival with Science and Technology Daily, "This year, I stayed in Beijing because of work, but I could still feel the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching when people began giving me mooncakes."

To him, the mooncake is not just a symbol of the full moon but also a symbol of unity within families and among friends. Ferrero appreciates the "family time" atmosphere that the festival brings. As summer transitions into autumn, the festival marks the stage when adults prepare to return to work and youngsters to school.

Ferrero compares it to the Chinese New Year, noting that while the latter is a time to stop work and visit family, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates unity within the context of ongoing duties and social life. "The mooncakes give me energy and a new impetus forward," he remarked.

His compatriot, Italian scientist Francesco Faiola, has a particular fondness for the famous Cantonese-style five-kernel mooncakes, which are filled with a mix of nuts and seeds, offering a rich and textured taste.

For Faiola, the most meaningful part of the celebration is the tradition of family reunions. As modern life becomes increasingly fast-paced, the Mid-Autumn Festival offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reunite with family and reflect on the bonds.

Faiola recalls participating in a family banquet hosted by a Chinese friend during the festival. The experience, which included traditional delicacies such as hairy crabs and yellow rice wine specially prepared for the event, was not only about enjoying food but also about sharing stories and gazing at the bright, full moon. Through this celebration, Faiola gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and its emphasis on family, tradition, and connection.

Both Ferrero and Faiola highlight the symbolic power of the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival. As Faiola said, the moon serves as a metaphor for both the emotional closeness people feel with others and our pursuit of the beautiful and meaningful things in life. "Moon gazing is uniquely poetic," he said. "No matter where you are, looking up at the same moon creates a shared sense of connection with loved ones, even if they are far away."

His sentiment echoed Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Jiuling (678-740), who wrote: "As the bright moon shines over the sea/From far away you share this moment with me."

For foreign experts like Ferrero and Faiola, the festival inspires a deep sense of togetherness, though they are far from home.

Just as the moonlight touches everyone, no matter where they are, the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival fosters a connection that reaches across time and borders, connecting people in celebration and harmony.