Chinese Spring Festival: A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – Foreigners Celebrate the Spring Festival in Huai’an

From January 17 to 23, Huai’an hosted an international cultural exchange event titled “Chinese Spring Festival: A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – Foreigners Celebrate the Spring Festival in Huai’an.” The event attracted international guests from around the world, offering them an immersive experience of the rich traditions and folk customs of the Chinese Spring Festival.

International guests celebrating the Spring Festival in Huai’an

During the event, the Huai’an specialty market was alive with excitement. Visitors were captivated by the array of local agricultural products, such as Huai’an yam, Huai’an rice, and Lianshui bound ham, which showcased the region’s unique flavors. The dragon dance performance was a particular highlight, leaving the audience in awe. Abdulla from Nigeria, who participated in the dance, couldn’t stop praising the performance, calling it “absolutely spectacular.”

International guests experiencing traditional musical instruments

The intangible cultural heritage exhibition featured the rustic charm of Boli farmer paintings and the intricate beauty of embroidery, giving international visitors a glimpse into Huai’an’s cultural treasures. At the paper-cutting workshop, Rania from Morocco was thrilled to create her own delicate paper art, expressing that she had never thought she could make something so beautiful.

The visitors also had the opportunity to join local families and experience authentic Spring Festival customs. Mahdi from Yemen presented the Chinese character “Fu”, symbolizing good fortune, to convey his New Year blessings. During the reunion dinner, everyone gathered around the table, sharing laughter and joy. Hera from Pakistan was deeply moved, saying that the experience had made her feel incredibly warm, as if she had become part of the Huai’an family.

International guests enjoying reunion dumplings

This international cultural exchange event not only opened a window for global friends to understand the Chinese Spring Festival but also added a unique vibrancy to Huai’an. As different cultures came together, the city’s Spring Festival was filled with joy, warmth, and a spirit of unity. (Photos/article: Liang Shuang)