A virtual exchange between Jining and its South Korean sister city Nonsan was held last month, bringing together scholars and cultural experts to discuss Chinese New Year traditions.

The online session included researchers from the traditional solar term research institute in South Korea and cultural representatives from Jining.

South Korean scholars introduced Nonsan's festive customs, such as ancestral rites, sebae (Chinese New Year's bow ceremony), and traditional games like yutnori. They highlighted how the Spring Festival strengthens family bonds and community spirit.

Chinese participants presented unique heritage items. Wan Dongmei, curator of Jingxi crafts museum, demonstrated gourd painting – a technique symbolizing "fortune and prosperity". Liu Changhua, president of the Qufu Confucius Hometown Painting and Calligraphy Academy, explained the ancient bird-worm script, showing a handwritten fu (blessing and good fortune) character.

Wan Dongmei, curator of Jingxi crafts museum, introduces gourd painting to South Korean representatives. [Photo/SdChina]

Liu Changhua, president of the Qufu Confucius Hometown Painting and Calligraphy Academy, shows varieties of the character fu, blending with bird and worm elements. [Photo/SdChina]

Both groups noted that Spring Festival, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024, serves as a cultural bridge between the two nations. The dialogue concluded with mutual wishes for closer exchanges in the Year of the Horse.

Jining representatives show hand-written couplets. [Photo/SdChina]