Spring Festival celebration is an intangible cultural heritage (ICH). As the festival approaches, foreign friends are immersed in a rich festive atmosphere. To help them experience traditional Chinese culture and strengthen their sense of belonging, the Exit-Entry Administration Brigade of Fengxian Branch, Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau‌ recently hosted a Spring Festival event themed "One World, One Spring" for Chinese and foreign friends. It served as a cultural bridge, bringing everyone together to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year with joy.

The venue was decorated with red lanterns and fu characters, full of festive vibes. Local Shanghai snacks like malted milk powder, butterfly pastries and red sausages were served on the refreshment table. Foreign friends and international students from around the world came together in high spirits. Dressed in elegant Chinese attire, they immersed themselves in traditional Spring Festival customs and shared warm wishes for the Chinese New Year.

The event opened with picture displays and a short documentary, vividly introducing Spring Festival customs and culture. The organizer also taught simple Chinese New Year greetings. Slightly awkward but sincere "Xin Nian Hao" (Happy New Year) and "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Wish you prosperity) brought lots of laughter. Many foreign residents who have lived in Fengxian for years know Chinese traditions well and shared their excitement. "In my country, the first day of spring is our New Year, and we serve special dishes starting with the letter 'S'." An Iranian student who moved to Fengxian in his fourth grade of primary school and is now in high school finds China's Spring Festival quite different from his own. A Russian student added: "Everyone is so happy and ready for the festival. I really enjoy being part of it."

After gaining basic understanding, everyone enjoyed a hands-on experience. Following the Fu character rubbing, the group took part in the much-anticipated activity of making tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). Staff prepared rice flour, water, flour and other materials, and gave demonstrations, and participants put on aprons, removed accessories and joined in the making.

For most participants, it was their first time making tangyuan. Controlling the texture was the first challenge, as the dough tended to be either too dry or too sticky. After several adjustments, everyone gradually mastered the skill and felt a strong sense of accomplishment when the dough turned smooth. They then rolled the dough carefully into cute little rice balls.

A Russian friend who has been in China for six months said: "This is my first Spring Festival here. I love celebrating with Chinese friends and learning about your customs, culture and food. The fortune rubbing and tangyuan making were so fun—something I never get to do in my dorm." The Iranian student added: "Tangyuan was tricky at first, but got easier once I got the hang of it. It was a really memorable experience."

This Spring Festival-themed ICH experience let foreign friends feel the warmth of Chinese culture firsthand, and built deep emotional connections through making and sharing together. Since last year, the brigade has held festive events for foreign residents on every traditional festival, helping them truly experience the ingenuity of Chinese culture.