Foreigners get festive during Chinese New Year

Foreigners learn to make Chinese dumplings in Shangtian town, Fenghua district, Ningbo on Feb 4. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

More than a hundred people from nearly 30 countries took part in the festivities for the upcoming Chinese New Year in Shangtian town, Fenghua district, Ningbo on Feb 4.

By taking part in the most traditional Chinese New Year customs, such as writing couplets, making Chinese dumplings, and learning the dragon dance, people relished in the charm of China's profound culture and soaked in the joyful atmosphere of the country's most important festival. People of all skin colors joined with local villagers to take part in the assorted cultural activities and taste the special rural food.

"Chinese New Year is a very charming cultural event that highlights the joy of being with others," said Yalia from Ukraine, "We saw a lot of red decorations in the village and tasted some very special food here."

Another participant from Ukraine said the New Year in their country is more colorful, while the Chinese Spring Festival revolves around the color red, "Though we have different traditions and customs, we all have the same expectation during the New Year, which is to reunite with our families."

Filipe from Portugal has been in China for six years. He was impressed with the beautiful scenery and palatable food of the village in Fenghua. "The smiles on villagers' faces made me feel warm," he said.

Jiang Lin, deputy director of the tourism office in Shangtian town, said the rise of rural tourism brought opportunities to local villages and the villagers hope that inviting people from around the world to experience China's rural areas will help them gain recognition abroad.