For Mohammad Zarif Sadiqi, an Afghan student who has been in China for two years, this was his first opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year in an ancient city. "The people here are very kind and friendly, and everything in the ancient city is captivating," he said.

This year is the third time the event has been held. It is organized by the Shanxi Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

"When international students visit the ancient city of Xinzhou and immerse themselves in paper-cutting, writing couplets, making dumplings, and performing the yangko dance, they witness the vibrant and thriving Chinese New Year," said Li Xiuyun, director of Xinzhou's foreign affairs office. "Furthermore, they gain an appreciation for the profound and unique charm of China's outstanding traditional culture."

Zhao Yunzhuo contributed to the story.