Ningbo airport shares Lantern Festival traditions with travelers

The airport of Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province welcomed over 30 international travelers on Feb 11, with a special event celebrating Lantern Festival, introducing them to Chinese cultural traditions and festive customs.

Organized by the Ningbo Airport Immigration and Border Control Station in collaboration with the Xuefu community, the event aimed to familiarize international visitors with the significance of Lantern Festival. As passengers arrived, they were greeted by local officers and students from the community, who explained the traditions associated with the festival.

"Tangyuan is made from glutinous rice and filled with a variety of fillings," said a volunteer, "Eating tangyuan is a key part of celebrating the festival."

The students, proficient in English, helped translate to ensure visitors could fully engage with the cultural introduction. Travelers were also given festive lanterns and tangyuan, offering them a first-hand experience of the festival's customs. 

"I was familiar with Chinese New Year, but now, thanks to the explanations, I'm also familiar with Lantern Festival. Tangyuan was delicious. Thank you for the warm welcome," said Tamas Daniel, a Hungarian traveler.

In addition to the cultural event, the airport has adjusted its clearance procedures to accommodate the influx of international travelers. On Feb 12, the day of Lantern Festival, Ningbo is expected to see the arrival and departure of 27 international flights, with over 4,000 travelers passing through the airport.