As Spring Festival approaches, more than 20 expats from countries such as the U.K., Brazil, New Zealand, and Russia gathered at the Mawan Urban Exhibition Hall on Jan. 4 for the ninth edition of the HiQianhai event series. There, they were able to explore Spring Festival customs through a series of activities, including hands-on crafts and calligraphy.
Participants pose for a group photo with the handicrafts they made at the event. Photos from Shenzhen Daily
Under the guidance of an instructor, participants first learned about the history, types, and crafting techniques of traditional handmade lanterns. Then, they eagerly picked up scissors and red paper to carefully assemble red lanterns, which symbolize reunion and festivity.
Participants learn how to make lanterns under the guidance of an instructor.
Subsequently, guided by an experienced calligraphy teacher, participants wielded their brushes to write the character “福” (Chinese for good fortune or blessing) and various couplets in different styles, including regular script, seal script, and cursive script, expressing their blessings and wishes for the Chinese New Year. Afterward, they used provided materials to create Chinese knots, which symbolize reunion and happiness.
Participants try to make Chinese knots by following video instructions.
Svetlana Goidenko, from Russia, exclaimed, "We made some really nice DIY surprises for the Chinese New Year, including a lantern and a Chinese knot. I will put them near my door so that my Chinese friends and all my neighbors know I'm more Chinese now!"
Shiraguppi Shashidhar, from India, attended the event with his daughter. "Although I have been living in Shenzhen for a long time, today I learned something new about Chinese culture, which is really amazing and truly great," he said.
Shiraguppi Shashidhar (L) demonstrates the character “福” that he wrote.
As the event drew to a close, all participants eagerly raised their handmade crafts and calligraphy works for a group photo. After the event, they shared their insights and experiences with each other.
This event not only allowed expats to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture but also promoted cultural exchange and integration between China and other countries.
The HiQianhai event series is organized by the Qianhai International Cooperation Center and hosted by EyeShenzhen. The events take place regularly on the first Saturday of each month. Since its launch in May of last year, this event series has attracted over 600 international participants, allowing expats to learn more about Qianhai and Chinese culture. In the new year, the HiQianhai series will continue to be held regularly, further contributing to cultural exchange between China and other countries.