A fu character. [Photo/UNNC provided to Tide News]

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) celebrated the new year with a cultural celebration on Jan 7, as nearly 100 Chinese and international students and faculty members gathered for an immersive intangible cultural heritage event.

The event transformed traditional culture into a lively, hands‑on experience through four themed zones: craftsmanship, cultural games, calligraphy & classics, and riddles.

In the craftsmanship zone, sugar‑painting masters created zodiac animals with swift, fluid strokes, while dough‑figurine artists shaped colorful, expressive cartoon characters. International participants were delighted by the charm and precision of these traditional skills, gaining a closer look at the artistry behind them.

The cultural games zone invited visitors to try the ancient pitch‑pot ritual. At the calligraphy tables, students practiced writing the character fu (fortune), with many international students carefully learning stroke order to bring home a meaningful handwritten keepsake.

The riddle zone buzzed with excitement as over 100 lantern riddles sparked lively discussion, while a 24‑point math game added a playful test of logic and speed.

A highlight of cultural fusion was decorating new year cupcakes with Chinese motifs, such as plum blossoms and auspicious clouds. "Celebrating New Year in China in such a sweet way feels truly special," said Panos Vlachopoulos, UNNC's vice-president for teaching.

Participants show their calligraphy works. [Photo/UNNC provided to Tide News]

A sugar‑painting master creates different works. [Photo/UNNC provided to Tide News]