The "Celebrating Chinese New Year in Shanxi - International Friends Experiencing Shanxi Folk Culture" event, hosted by the Shanxi Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, took place on Feb 11 in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province.

Over 20 international students from Shanxi Medical University explored the charm of the city, experiencing Chinese New Year after it was added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage (ICH) list.

The international students pose for a group photo at the Zhonglou Street. [Photo/Shanxi Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries]

At Daning Hall, participants explored the world of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), engaging in pulse diagnosis under the guidance of TCM experts and experiencing miraculous TCM techniques. At Qianhexiang Tea House, they sat around the table, feeling the tranquility and elegance of Chinese tea culture. At the Museum of Taiyuan Memory, they delved into the city's historical changes and development through rich exhibits and detailed historical materials.

At Zhonglou Street, the students were captivated by its festive atmosphere, traditional delicacies and bustling lantern and temple fairs. A student from Pakistan expressed, "I love Shanxi and Chinese culture. I truly felt the warmth of a traditional festival. This was an unforgettable experience."

This event facilitated cross-border cultural exchanges and deepened international students' understanding of Shanxi's Chinese New Year customs. Through immersive experiences, they savored the unique charm of the ICH Spring Festival.