Recently, the 19th Zibo International Exchange Platform, themed "Spring Festival Traditional Folk Customs Experience," was successfully held. International students in Zibo visited local communities and markets, participating in six Spring Festival cultural experience events. Over 180 international students joined Zibo residents in making dumplings, writing the character "Fu" (fortune), crafting paper-cuttings, and exploring bustling markets.

International students gathered around locals to learn how to make dumplings, their hands dusted with flour. They wrote their first "Fu" character with Chinese brushes, their strokes a bit unpolished but made with great earnestness. At the New Year market, they moved among the stalls, tasting freshly made candied hawthorn skewers and learning to sway their hips and twirl fans alongside a yangge dance troupe. The performers guided them through the movements hand in hand—no translation needed, as genuine smiles served as the best language.

"It's my first time celebrating the Spring Festival in China. I not only learned to make dumplings but also gained a deeper understanding of many Spring Festival traditions," "Chinese culture is truly fascinating," remarked another. "These events brought people closer together." In their simple words, these students conveyed their most heartfelt experiences.

Steaming dumplings, vibrant red paper-cuttings, sweet sugar paintings, and jubilant markets—international students in Zibo and local residents connected through the festive atmosphere, capturing the essence of being "Friends of Shandong." This warmth stemmed from the sincere hospitality of local residents, the strong support of universities in Zibo, and the persistent efforts in people-to-people communication. With collective contributions, international students were able to experience the authentic China in everyday settings and forge lasting friendships through these interactions.

This series of Spring Festival folk custom experiences not only deepened international students’ understanding of China but also allowed them to witness firsthand the achievements of Chinese-style modernization in Zibo through the lens of local residents' daily lives. Moving forward, the Zibo Foreign Affairs Office and the Zibo People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries will continue to strengthen collaboration with local universities, enrich the cultural experience offerings for international students, and further enhance the depth and effectiveness of people-to-people exchanges.