Lan Du tries his hand at making dumplings with help from a local resident. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

An international student from Angola with the Chinese name Lan Du who studies at Nantong Vocational University participated in an event in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Tianshenggang sub-district, Chongchuan district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on Sept 18.

To help international students in Nantong feel the traditional Chinese festive atmosphere, Tianshenggang sub-district invited Lan Du and Wang Qijun, a retired cadre of the city, and his large family to attend the festivity.

The attendees admired stone carving works created by Wang Qijun, and Lan Du tried his hand at making dumplings. Hearing that it was Wang's 80th birthday that day, Lan Du was surprised to reveal that it was also his 20th birthday.

"It is an honor to celebrate the traditional Chinese festival symbolizing reunion with Grandpa Wang and his family. They are warm and friendly and we also celebrated our birthdays together," said Lan Du. He shared the experience with his family through video link.

It has been reported that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lan Du is the only international student at Nantong Vocational University. Activities such as appreciating stone carving works, making dumplings, and celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival and his birthday provide an opportunity for Lan Du to feel the warmth of family and the charm of traditional Chinese culture.