Jiaxing University in East China's Zhejiang province hosted the 2026 Jiaxing Chinese-Foreign Spring Festival Friendship Gathering on Jan 10, a celebration of friendship and cultural exchange. The event brought together nearly 160 expats from 37 countries for a celebration ahead of Spring Festival.

Expats perform on stage during the 2026 Jiaxing Chinese-Foreign Spring Festival Friendship Gathering on Jan 10. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_dce4a5933cde]

The event featured cultural performances that blended Chinese and international traditions. Acts ranging from hip-hop dance and hanfu (traditional Chinese dress) fashion shows to ancient poetry recitations showcased youthful energy while honoring deep cultural roots.

A cultural experience area drew significant attention, with expats trying their hand at making dumplings and zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), baking rice cakes, and writing Spring Festival couplets. Local inheritors of intangible cultural heritage demonstrated various traditional techniques. Participants eagerly joined the hands-on activities, creating unique dumplings and heartfelt Spring Festival couplets.

Expats write Spring Festival couplets. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_dce4a5933cde]

The gathering also included the awards ceremony for the 2025 "Jiaxing in My Eyes" Photo and Video Contest for International Participants. Showcasing more than 200 works from over 170 participants, the contest served as a visual bridge between cultures.

The awards ceremony for the 2025 "Jiaxing in My Eyes" Photo and Video Contest for International Participants takes place during the event. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_dce4a5933cde]

Organizers expressed hope that such events would deepen expats' understanding of Chinese traditions, strengthen mutual friendships, and boost Jiaxing's international profile and cooperative ties.