Ahead of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, two Egyptian students in Tianjin stepped into Yangliuqing Ancient Town to experience how locals welcome the Chinese New Year in a traditional way — by making Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings.

As one of the most representative Spring Festival folk arts in northern China, Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings originated in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and flourished during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Known for their vivid colors, lively figures and auspicious themes, the paintings have long been an essential part of Tianjin's New Year celebrations. In 2006, the craft was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Curious and excited, Ahmed Mohamed Saleh and Hassan Sameh Hassan Elsayed followed local hosts into a traditional workshop in the ancient town. Waiting for them was Huo Qingyou, the sixth-generation inheritor of Yangliuqing woodblock New Year paintings.

In China's traditional zodiac system, each year is represented by an animal sign. With the Year of the Horse approaching, Huo prepared a woodblock carved with the bold Chinese character for "horse".

Holding a small brush known locally as a "tangzi", the two students began applying ink to the carved woodblock.

"Brush in circles," Huo instructed patiently.

"Make sure the ink covers every corner of the block."

The process required care and rhythm. They moved the brush repeatedly across the surface, ensuring the ink was evenly spread. After checking that the block was fully covered, they pressed paper firmly onto the surface and smoothed it from top to bottom.

When the sheet was finally lifted, the strong, confident "horse" appeared on the paper.

"2026 is my zodiac year," Hassan Sameh Hassan Elsayed said.

"I was born in the Year of the Horse. I want to take this print back to Egypt and let my friends feel what Chinese New Year is like," he said.

Ma Yucong contributed to this story.