[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As the Spring Festival draws near, a special cultural event brought international students and foreign visitors gathered in Tai'an to experience the joy of a traditional Chinese New Year.

The celebration began at a primary school in Daiyue district with lively folk performances, including dragon and lion dances, waist drums, and land boat shows. Foreign guests not only watched but eagerly joined in, trying dragon dancing and drumming, and sharing laughter as they embraced the energy of traditional Chinese art.

At cultural experience booths, international participants engaged in paper-cutting, Spring Festival couplet writing, rubbings, sugar painting, and crafting Daiyue handmade lace umbrellas, each with the assistance of a young student guide.

At the Tai'an shadow puppetry booth, a local student enthusiastically presented the classic tale of Monkey King versus White-Bone Demon to foreign visitors: "Watch how swiftly Sun Wukong moves!" Yan Dongmei, director of the Taishan Shadow Puppetry Troupe, said that this UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage has reached over 20 countries. Through school programs, livestreams, and short videos, the ancient art form continues to thrive with new life.

Food brought everyone closer. Foreign visitors sampled Tai'an pancakes, steamed buns, and tanghulu (sugared hawthorns on a stick), and participated in making dumplings, experiencing the warmth of reunion and festivity.

The event served as a cultural and friendship bridge, highlighting Tai'an's openness and hospitality. As one of China's first tourist cities to open to the world, Tai'an has established trade and cultural ties with over 30 countries and regions.