Ningbo village welcomes expats for festive fun

In Ningbo, Zhejiang province, international residents are immersing themselves in Chinese New Year traditions, transforming historic villages into vibrant spaces for cultural exchange.

On Feb 1, around 100 participants from nearly 30 countries — mostly faculty, students, and their families from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) — were warmly welcomed in Banpu village, Cicheng town. Dragon dances, gongs, and horse performances created a festive atmosphere, symbolizing good fortune for the upcoming Year of the Horse.

Chen Kanan, Party secretary of Banpu village, said the event aimed to let visitors experience local customs while promoting the village's rich cultural heritage.

With a history spanning over 800 years, Banpu boasts 24 cultural heritage sites dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911), offering visitors a vivid glimpse into its prosperous past as a hub of water transport.

John Burrows, a British educator at UNNC who has lived in Ningbo since 2016, was excited to join the celebration.

"Ningbo truly feels like home to me," he said. Burrows and his family often explore nearby villages and hiking spots. Visiting Banpu allowed them to connect more closely with local residents and appreciate traditional lifestyles firsthand.

The Burrows family eagerly participated in hands-on activities. They made dumplings, rolled spring rolls, and pounded niangao (rice cake), even experimenting with fusion treats like cheese-topped niangao. Derek Irwin, associate dean for Education and Student Experience at UNNC, also joined in and praised the villagers' efforts.

"These are very hard-working people with their mallet. I wish that I could pound niangao all day, but I'm not quite strong enough," he said.

A particularly touching moment came when expats visited local villagers' homes, carrying Spring Festival couplets, red lanterns, and gifts to help decorate courtyards. Burrows brought cookies baked by his family, and in return, the villagers offered snacks and red envelopes. 

"Meeting different people and experiencing their ways of life is always fascinating," he said. "This chance to walk into villages and chat with locals not only draws us closer but also broadens our worldview."

The group also paid a brief visit to Cicheng Ancient Town, a well-preserved town with a 1,200-year history, where they sampled local intangible cultural heritage crafts.

"We had a full day here — meeting locals, celebrating together — and will definitely come back when these activities are held again," said Panos Vlachopoulos, vice provost for Education and Student Experience at UNNC. 

A dragon dance performance at the entrance of Banpu village welcomes visitors. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A visitor tries his hand at making spring rolls with guidance from a local villager. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A couple takes a photo amid the village's New Year decorations. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International visitors experience traditional crafts in Cicheng Ancient Town. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]