STORY: Expats across China celebrate Lantern Festival
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 23/24, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 25, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:06
LOCATION: Beijing
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of celebrations
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANA PAPIC, Croatian teacher
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MELIKYAN ARMEN, Armenian teacher
4. various of celebrations
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FUNDI SAIDI MOHAMED, Tanzanian acrobat
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ASNATH HAMISI KINGU, Tanzanian acrobat
7. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): Foreign students in Fujian
8. various of celebrations


STORYLINE:

As the traditional Lantern Festival was celebrated across China, many expats living in the country have also participated in various activities to be part of the festival.

On Friday, a day before this year's Lantern Festival, a special event was held in Dongguan, Guangdong Province for Chinese people and overseas friends alike. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANA PAPIC, Croatian teacher 
"I've been living in Dongguan for 5 years now and this is the first time to actually attend the Lantern Festival in Dongguan.
As you can see, we've done some crafts. I think it's a great way to connect with other people and experience the community, the spirit of the community even more."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MELIKYAN ARMEN, Armenian teacher
"This is my daughter, as you can see, just fond of making these things. That is why I brought her. This is cool.
It's a bit different from last year. But still, it's interesting. There's a lot of fun."

Also on Friday, four acrobats working in north China's Wuyi County went on a tour around the local market and participated in festive activities.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): FUNDI SAIDI MOHAMED, Tanzanian acrobat
"Every traditional Chinese festival, I am invited to spend it with my local friends. Chinese traditional culture is very charming. I share my experience in China with my family and friends."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ASNATH HAMISI KINGU, Tanzanian acrobat
"Chinese traditional culture is very interesting. I learned how to make dumplings. I like Chinese pop elements, Chinese clothes, food, and culture. (They) are very magical."

In Yongding County, east China's Fujian Province, a Lantern Festival gala was held on Saturday. The gala featured folk art performances, as well as light shows.

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): Foreign students in Fujian
"Bustling activities are held to celebrate the Lantern Festival, and the imaging technology lights up the sky of Fujian. Join the gala. Let's go!"

The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.
(XHTV)