A group of expatriates in Lin-gang Special Area in East China's Shanghai recently experienced vibrant Chinese New Year traditions and cultural activities. The Dingke Community in the area organized a range of activities, including lantern making, spring couplet writing and cultural performances.The Party branch of Dishui Lake Xinyuan third residential area visited over 20 foreigners living in the area, sharing customs and presenting calligraphy-inscribed blessings.

Community staff and an expat living in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area shows a spring couplet with the Chinese character fu, meaning "luck" in English. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

Community staff and an expat living in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area shows a spring couplet with the Chinese characters gong xi fa cai, meaning "may you be prosperous" in English. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]
Expats expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and the chance to partake in these festivities. Matthew, a foreign teacher, praised the region's history, culture and friendly community. 
Mark Swinton, a UK magnetic field test system specialist, tried his hand at writing Chinese characters and crafting lanterns. Swinton said, "Lin-gang Special Area is a place that has been proactively pioneering new policies and has been working hard to improve people's lives." 

Expats in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area perform in hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

The Dingke Community recently organized a traditional costume exhibition, where nearly 100 expats from 14 countries showcased their talents while wearing traditional Chinese attire.