Students explore the stalls. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

More than 20 international students from Nepal, Russia, Morocco and other countries and regions gathered by the riverside in Nantong on Sept 23 to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival alongside local university students, residents and tourists.

Various outdoor stalls displayed intangible cultural heritage crafts such as lacquer fans and sugar painting, along with ancient tea ceremonies, lantern riddles and pitch-pot games. Guided by volunteers, both Chinese and international participants tried their hand at these traditional arts, getting a taste of the festival's customs ahead of the actual holiday.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept 25 this year, is one of China's most important traditional holidays, traditionally marked by family reunions and moon gazing.

Students show their paper-cut. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Students sing a song for the audience. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]