International Services Shanghai hosted Spring Festival-themed flash mobs at its three one-stop international service stations at Shanghai's two airports — Pudong and Hongqiao — to welcome international travelers on Feb 5.

The initiative aims to immerse international passengers in the richness of Chinese New Year customs upon arrival.

At Pudong airport, the event transformed sections of the bustling terminals into interactive cultural hubs. A major draw was the chance for travelers to try their hand at Chinese calligraphy, specifically writing the character fu, which symbolizes happiness and good fortune. Participants crafted personalized blessings with the help of experts to usher in the upcoming Year of the Horse.

"The atmosphere here is cool and nice. People are welcoming. I like the calligraphy and the wishes are good," said German traveler Jonas Aufmkolk.

For many, it was an engaging first encounter with deep-rooted traditions.

"It's really great that, as a foreigner coming to China, maybe for the first time, you can really get involved in some very traditional Chinese things like the calligraphy," said Nicolas Pau from Belgium.

The festive immersion extended beyond ink and brush, with travelers also learning Chinese New Year greetings in the local Shanghai dialect, laughing as they exchanged wishes for prosperity and happiness.

Pau shared his personalized blessing: "I wish everybody a very happy Chinese New Year with good health, long life and lots of meat."

Fellow Belgian Tobias Le Compte, who has lived in China for around a decade and speaks the Shanghai dialect fluently, greeted others with a hearty "Happy Chinese New Year" in the local tongue.

"I learned Shanghai's culture and language, so I try to promote that all over the world and try to inspire people," Le Compte said.

Adding to the array of experiences, visitors also tried traditional block printing and cosplay, offering hands-on ways to explore broader aspects of Chinese cultural heritage.

Reflecting on the value of such cultural encounters, Pau offered advice to international visitors: "They should try to find very local places, talk with local people, and try to live like a local.

"That's a very good experience if you come to China for the first time."

Source: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20260205/9a21936d5d2d4037a53dcba5e74e7fa4.html