As Chinese New Year approaches, a museum in Daiyue district, Tai'an, welcomed a group of special visitors — international students and online influencers — for a cultural exchange event centered around Xiao Nian, or Little New Year traditions.

Participants took on festive experiences: practicing calligraphy to write the Chinese character fu (fortune), crafting sweet sugar paintings, and watching a shadow puppet performance of Taishan Shigandang.

At the tofu-making station, they learned the process from soaking beans to pressing curds under the guidance of a national intangible cultural heritage inheritor.

"I finally understand the wisdom behind inverting the fu character — it means 'fortune has arrived'!" shared a student from Pakistan, who marveled at the tofu-making, calling it "a magical cultural experience".

From the scent of sugar art to the rhythm of stone mills, the activity offered a glimpse into the traditions of Taishan Mountain. As another student from Pakistan concluded, "This journey is wonderful — I've truly fallen in love with Chinese culture."

Through hands-on participation, the event not only preserved the nostalgic flavor of the festival but also built a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue.

A museum in Tai'an's Daiyue district hosts international students and influencers for a cultural exchange event before Xiao Nian, or Little New Year. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Students learn ancient crafts from local heritage inheritors. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This activity builds a bridge for international cultural exchange. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]