Tan Shaoqi, Liu Wenzhe

1060064292@qq.com

AROUND 50 locals and expats gathered in Shekou on Saturday for the Celebration for the Year of the Dragon event, which was organized by Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (MSCE).

The guests took part in various activities including experiencing Chinese calligraphy by writing the character “福”, making dragon-shaped handcrafts, cooking and tasting dumplings, and participating in lucky draws and impromptu performances.

Foreigners learned about the Chinese conception of family reunion and made new friends.

Chinese residents were invited to help foreigners make dumplings and write Chinese calligraphy. Expats also brought snacks from their home countries to thank the locals.

Maria from Puerto Rico shared her experiences living in China. Although she has only been in China for a year and a half, she has already experienced dragon and lion dances. She expressed her best wishes for the upcoming Chinese New Year. In her country, Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany (Three Kings Day) are celebrated jointly. She finds Chinese culture and heritage appealing.

Sava Tomoiaga from Romania is a volunteer at MSCE and has resided in Shenzhen since 1998. She enjoys calligraphy and has visited many cities in China. She also admires the unity of the Chinese people.