Cultural activities mark Chinese New Year celebration

A student writes a Spring Festival couplet under the guidance of a volunteer. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Raffles City in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, turned into a lively cultural celebration on Jan 18 during a Spring Festival-themed event that attracted a diverse crowd to explore traditional Chinese culture.

More than 30 international students joined local families in immersing themselves in the customs of this special holiday. The event offered various activities that provided a hands-on introduction to China's cultural legacy.

Participants admired the intricate craftsmanship at the bamboo root carving booth and tried their hand at this traditional art with the help of a skilled artisan. At the opera booth, they painted opera masks and tried on traditional costumes, learning about China's theatrical history.

"This event allowed me to experience the joy and festivity of Chinese New Year, while also sharing my own culture with others," said Atif Ali, a student from Pakistan.

Samah Boustta from Morocco shared, "Through this event, I've learned more about Chinese traditions and made new friends, making me feel at home even far from my country."

Local families were also actively engaged in the event. Volunteers served as cultural ambassadors, offering translation services and sharing insights about the customs' significance. Additionally, legal service guides for expats were also distributed to help attendees navigate life in China.