On March 3, the Lantern Festival on the Chinese lunar calendar, more than 30 international students visited Jinggang Ancient Town in Wangcheng District, Changsha. There, they experienced the unique charm of Chinese New Year traditions.

International students watch a shadow puppet play adaptation of Journey to the West. (Photo/Chen Haiwang)

After watching the performance, the international students were eager to explore more about the show. Under the hands-on guidance of intangible cultural heritage inheritors, they began operating the shadow puppets. "This is not just an introduction to traditional craftsmanship, but a vivid cultural exchange," said an Indonesian student. On Java Island in Indonesia, wayang kulit—a performance using leather puppets—is one of the oldest traditional arts. Though the stories differ from those in shadow puppetry, the method of using light and shadow to narrate legends and convey emotions is fundamentally the same. "This experience has deepened my understanding of China's traditional culture," the student added.

International students are captivated by Sichuan opera face-changing performance. (Photo/Chen Haiwang)

"Visiting Jinggang Ancient Town has revealed to me the enchanting side of traditional Chinese culture," said a student from Kazakhstan. The ancient town not only features captivating shadow puppet shows but also Sichuan opera face-changing performances where masks transform in an instant. There are also various authentic traditional snacks and lively Lantern Festival celebrations.The head of the School of International Education at Changsha Social Work College stated that inviting international students to experience the Lantern Festival in Jinggang Ancient Town enables them to feel the warmth of Chinese culture in a real-life setting. This is not merely a recreational outing but also a vivid lesson introducing China's national conditions. "When these young people return to their countries with fond memories and a deeper cultural understanding, they will become ambassadors for friendly exchanges between China and the world," the spokesperson noted.

责编：田梦瑶

一审：田梦瑶

二审：秦慧英

三审：张权

来源：湖南省政府门户网