A volunteer from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China teaches Chinese painting to local children in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria. [Photo/zjol.com.cn] 

Nine students from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, recently volunteered to promote Chinese culture in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria.

During the two-week trip, the students introduced Chinese calligraphy, painting, paper-cutting and other traditional Chinese folk arts to Bulgarian locals.

A Bulgarian girl shows off a paper-cut she made. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

"We were worried that few people would come to our lecture at first, but we had a totally full house and some even had to stand or sit on the floor," said Mu Xiya, leader of the volunteers team. 

"There was a mother who brought her two kids to learn Chinese painting. She said she had been to China twice and wants her children to learn more about Chinese culture and art," Mu added.

"I feel proud to spread awareness of Chinese culture overseas, and the warmth and friendliness of the locals has made me feel totally at ease," said Sun Jun, one of the volunteers. 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria. The activity, hosted by the Sofia Chinese Cultural Center, will last for a year, organizers said.

Locals in Sofia show the Chinese character fu (meaning blessing), which they wrote themselves. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]