Students perform a dragon dance. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The International Cooperation and Education College of Nantong Vocational University organized festive activities for international students on Jan 22 to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Students from countries such as Namibia, Pakistan, Laos, and Vietnam came together to learn dragon dance, write "fu" characters, wear traditional hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, and perform songs and dances, immersing themselves in Spring Festival culture.

Students take a group selfie with the Chinese character "fu". [Photo/Nantong Daily]

During the event, guided by instructors, these international students learned how to perform a dragon dance. The colorful dragon swirled and danced in their hands, symbolizing the arrival of auspiciousness and good fortune. Additionally, they picked up brushes and wrote "fu" and couplets, expressing their good wishes for the new year.

A student shows off the hanfu she is wearing. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The school also arranged for them to try on hanfu clothing. Wearing splendid Chinese clothes, the students felt as if they had traveled through time, experiencing the lifestyle of ancient Chinese people firsthand.

International students presented song and dance performances from their respective countries during the festive activities. The lively music and cheerful dance moves elevated the atmosphere to a climax. Through these performances, the students showcased their talents and promoted cultural exchange and understanding among each other.

This Chinese New Year celebration not only allowed international students to experience the joy and liveliness of the Spring Festival but also deepened their appreciation of Chinese culture.