This journey from the modern campus to the ancient city enabled participants to understand the diverse yet unified nature of Chinese culture.

Cheick Amadou Tidiane Ouattara, a teacher from Mali, shared his impressions: "During the Chinese New Year celebrations, I joined a school outing to Taining. It was my first visit, and I can honestly say it was incredibly rewarding.

"We had the wonderful opportunity to explore ancient sites, immerse ourselves in intangible cultural heritage, and enjoy a traditional opera show and lively parades," he said. "It was great fun and a valuable chance to deepen my understanding of China's rich culture, history, and way of life. I am especially grateful to the people of Taining for their warm hospitality – the food was exquisite, and everyone was so kind. Taining is truly a wonderful place to be."

Afrin Jahan, a student from Bangladesh, reflected on her experience, saying: "I never knew how festive the Chinese New Year celebration was until now. I had so much fun experiencing Chinese culture up close.

"I got to learn to make dumplings, write calligraphy, listen to the guqin, and learn about the history and culture of the Chinese New Year. However, most of all, I will never forget the trip to Taining. We got to explore the ancient city, learn about its history, watch Chinese opera, and take lots of pictures in traditional clothing. I formed a stronger bond with my friends and teachers," she added.

This series of New Year activities not only allowed international faculty and students to experience Chinese traditions and the charm of its culture firsthand but also built a bridge for mutual learning and exchange between different civilizations.

Sanming University is committed to using culture as a link to tell China's story effectively, enhance its global voice, and continuously improve its international education standards with a warm, people-centered approach.

Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, PhD, is a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages), Sanming University, Fujian province, and a senior research fellow at Daffodil International University Belt and Road Research Centre in Bangladesh.