International students engage in a cultural exchange event with the theme of welcoming Chinese New Year on Feb 4 in Chongchuan district, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline] 

A cultural exchange event themed around welcoming Chinese New Year was held on Feb 4 in Chongchuan district, Nantong. 

International students from around the world at the School of International Education at Nantong University experienced the charm of traditional Chinese culture in a lively, festive atmosphere. 

The event began with international students taking boat rides on Haohe River, where they enjoyed the scenery on both banks and listened to the historical origins of Haohe River and Nantong. 

Afterwards, the group visited the Nantong Museum, where they engaged in activities such as writing the Chinese character "Fu" (meaning good fortune) and paper cutting. They also watched intangible cultural heritage crafts such as sugar painting and dough figurines of horses, as well as performances of opera and art flash mobs. 

International students display the Chinese character "Fu" they write. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]

At the study activity center of the Nantong Museum, they gathered to discuss New Year traditions in their hometown and participated in making Chinese knots to express new year wishes through hands-on practice. 

The event concluded with a visit to the Century of Auspiciousness exhibition, co-hosted by the Nantong Museum and the Palace Museum. Through the fine craftsmanship, international students experienced the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture and admired the richness and diversity of Chinese material civilization.