International students write the character fu at Huzhou University. [Photo/Huzhou News Media Center]

The international students of Huzhou University in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, participated in activities like calligraphy and rubbing red envelopes on the afternoon of Jan 16, eagerly anticipating the commencement of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Some students placed red envelope paper on inked printing boards, pressing and smudging to reveal cartoon snake images and phrases wishing for good fortune. Others picked up brushes to write the character for fortune along with their English and Chinese names.

At 1:45 pm, two students took the stage as hosts, officially kicking off the event. A teacher from the university explained, "As soon as the event was announced, many international students signed up. We also arranged interactive games and a lottery session to make the students feel the warmth and joy of home in a foreign land."

The event featured singing, dance performances, guitar music, and more, with laughter and cheers filling the air. Kong Mengsean from Cambodia wore traditional Chinese attire and performed a Chinese dance, expressing her love for Chinese culture.

During the intermission, students played games like shuttlecock and hula-hoop. They shared the prizes they got in the games and lucky draws with their friends and families, sending early Chinese New Year greetings to them.

A student tries a shuttlecock. [Photo/Huzhou News Media Center]