Overseas students in costumes learn the basic movements of Peking Opera under the guidance of teachers and students in the school. [Photo/ WeChat account: QLWBJining]

Ten international students from the International Education College of Jining Medical University in Jining, Shandong province, participated in a cultural exchange event, which entailed visits to a local primary school to experience Peking Opera and a local fair to celebrate the Spring Festival, on Jan 14.

The event was part of a regular program called "Seeing Jining through Foreigners' Eyes" organized by the local foreign affairs department to promote international cultural exchanges between expats and local communities.

The Primary School affiliated to Shanyang Academy visited by the international students is a characteristic school in Jinxiang, a county in Jining which has a long tradition in Peking Opera. The school has included opera education in its curriculum for many years and integrated Peking Opera with subject courses.

During the interactive experience session, the international students put on costumes and under the guidance of teachers and students from the school learned basic Peking Opera movements.

The international students also went to Kaisheng Fair in Jinxiang to experience local customs of the Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year.

"It's really lively here. I really like the atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. Everything here is very new and different to me. The Chinese food is very rich. I like it very much," said Sikiru Sikirat Aderonke, one of the visiting international students.

The event is part of a program launched by local authorities to enhance international cultural exchanges by inviting local expats to participate in local cultural events.