An expat presents the peony painting he created to a resident in Qinshan village, Jiulonghu Zhenhai district, Ningbo, on Feb 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A number of expats, most of whom are college teachers in Ningbo, were invited to experience traditional customs observed during the Spring Festival in Jiulonghu town in Zhenhai district, Ningbo on Feb 3.

During the trip, they learned how to paint peony blossoms, write spring festival couplets and make Tangyuan, a type of stuffed dumpling made of glutinous rice flour, in a homestay in Qinshan village in the town.

The local government has also rolled out a string of favorable tourism policies targeting those who opted to stay in Ningbo for the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, which begins on Feb 11.

For instance, visitors to Jiulonghu town are able to tour scenic spots at a discounted price, take part in the free activities and savor local characteristic cuisines.