A group of international students from Shandong University learned to write Spring Festival scrolls during a cultural experience event in Jinan, capital of Shandong province on Jan 16.

Chinese traditionally place such scrolls on their doors during the Spring Festival. On New Year's Eve, red scrolls appear around doorways, and red paper-cuttings are used as window decorations.

These scrolls contain auspicious characters and phrases that are meant to bring the family good luck. One common character is "fu", which means blessing and happiness.

"I spent the Spring Festival with my friends in Chinese cities and I have learned a lot about the Spring Festival customs. I think the Chinese Spring Festival is cool," said Naomi Christiane, a student from Gabon who has lived in China for more than three years.

"I think today's activity is very good," said Aziz Al-Hajj from Yemen. "By learning to write Chinese characters, I understand more about Chinese culture. I will live in Jinan for another five years and I will work harder to learn Chinese culture in the future."

A calligraphy teacher shows international students how to write New Year scrolls. [Photo/sdchina.com]

International students learn to write New Year scrolls. [Photo/sdchina.com]

A calligraphy teacher shows an international student how to write using a Chinese brush. [Photo/sdchina.com]

Students display the New Year scrolls they wrote. [Photo/sdchina.com]