Children at a kindergarten in Fenghua district, Ningbo package a cloth dragon as a New Year gift to children in France. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, students and teachers from a kindergarten in Ningbo, Zhejiang province sent a cloth dragon to children in France before the Spring Festival, along with handmade gifts and New Year wishes.

The cloth dragon is an intangible cultural item originating in Ningbo's Fenghua district. The dragon-shaped artwork is crafted with bamboo and colorful fabric, showcasing intricate traditional craftsmanship.

As the Year of the Dragon approached, children of the Fenghua First Experimental Kindergarten carefully packed a cloth dragon in a package, which was later sent to their peers in France.

Inside the package, there was also handmade gifts such as a woolen dragon toy, paper-cut Chinese dragons, and various creative versions of the character "福" (meaning "good fortune").

Representing the first-grade class, Dong Yuyan sent a painting of honey peaches, a local specialty of Fenghua known for its fragrant and sweet taste.

"We invite our French friends to Ningbo to taste these delicious peaches," said Dong.

Having received the parcels, the French children assembled the cloth dragon with the help of their teachers, learned some basic dragon dance moves and performed the dragon dance at a Spring Festival market in Paris.

In return, they also prepared gifts such as tiger-shaped decorations and colored masks for their counterparts in Ningbo.