International students at the Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University (ZAFU) were invited to visit a local village and join various festivities on Sunday ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, which is less than two weeks away.

With red lanterns hanging high and paper-cuts pasted on window panes, Nichuan Village located in Lin'an District in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, is steeped in the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

In a bid to include the group of international students in the Spring Festival joy this year, the local government, together with the university, organized colorful performances, such as intangible cultural heritage -- dragon-drum show -- to present the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

International students also tried their hands at writing Spring Festival couplets and "Fu", the Chinese character meaning blessing and good fortune, and learned to make paper-cuts in the shape of the Chinese dragon (Loong), as 2024 is the Year of the Dragon based on the Chinese zodiac.

The students took the opportunity to talk with teachers and local villagers to know more about Chinese culture behind the traditions.

"Loong (Dragon) is an important symbol of the Chinese culture. Today we tried calligraphy, made dragon drawings, and danced together. We participated in many Chinese cultural activities. Learning Chinese language requires learning its culture, which is very important," said one of the international students.

"I have always hoped to come to China to feel what living here feels like and learn about the culture. I'm happy today to have the opportunity to participate in so many activities here," said another student.

During the Spring Festival, nearly 200 international students from more than 10 countries like Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, and Equatorial Guinea, are expected to stay at the ZAFU. They have been invited to local villages for the festival to experience the profound charm of Chinese traditions.

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb 10 this year, and it is China's most important festival and an occasion for family reunions.