A vibrant online cultural exchange recently brought together students from Tai'an and Italy. Titled "From Taishan Mountain to the Apennines: Chinese and Italian Youth Celebrate the Chinese New Year Online", the event turned a traditional Chinese calligraphy classroom into a festive hub with red lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets.

The event started with a promotional video showcasing Taishan Mountain, immediately capturing the Italian students' interest. Chinese students then explained in English the history and customs of the Spring Festival, from house cleaning and pasting couplets to modern traditions like sending digital red envelopes.

The interactive session was a highlight, with Chinese students demonstrating the traditional fist-and-palm salute and helping their Italian peers in writing the Chinese character fu, symbolizing good fortune, and creating paper-cuts.

In return, the Italian students shared their own festive traditions from the Apennine Peninsula. The dialogue deepened with a riddle-guessing segment and open discussions about school life and future aspirations. Laughter and curiosity filled the virtual space, fostering mutual understanding and planting seeds for future friendship. This successful online gathering proved that culture knows no borders, especially when shared by the youth.

A vibrant online cultural exchange connects students from Tai'an and Italy. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]