The opening ceremony of the 2024 Qingdao Spring Festival Rural Cultural Tourism Festival was launched in Jimo Ancient City in Qingdao on Jan 18.

A total of 10 international students from Qingdao universities visited the ancient city to experience traditional Chinese folk culture. They performed "Sanjiaoban" (a traditional local folk art form), tasted Laba porridge, wrote the Chinese character Fu (which is Chinese for "happiness and fortune"), and visited the bustling local market, fully immersing themselves in the Spring Festival spirit.

At the opening ceremony, expats dressed in traditional Chinese clothing played waist drums and gongs while expressing their fondness for living and studying in Qingdao.

Because their trip coincided with the traditional Laba Festival, the international students also tried Laba porridge, with its sweet taste earning unanimous praise.

During their visit, a variety of products were on display at the Yellow River Bazaar. The students checked out Jimo lace products, experienced how Huang's pyrography is made, practiced calligraphy, tasted decorative steamed buns and traditional Chinese medicinal health teas, and even joined in a Yangko dance.

"Today I tried Laba porridge. It's delicious, and I experienced many intangible cultural heritage items. I really like Chinese culture, and I love Jimo. I hope to have more opportunities in the future to experience Chinese culture up close," said a student from Madagascar.

Through the event, the international students were able to play a role in strengthening Sino-foreign friendship and promote cultural exchange. In the future, Jimo will continue to invite friends from around the globe to visit in order to help them better understand and learn about Chinese culture.