Alyssa Baker/ British, Master’s Graduate of University of Cambridge

It’s really fun for me. Because I’m Year of the Snake!

Terry Jahmal/ American, Master’s Graduate of University of Michigan

This is fire!

Anna Odorici/ Italian, Master’s Graduate of University of Cambridge

I think anyone coming here from the West would be so amazed and so impressed, and there are so many beautiful things to see, there are such a rich culture to explore.

What makes these young Western graduates from top universities like Cambridge and Michigan want to spend the Chinese Spring Festival having "intangible cultural experiences"? It's the Lantern Festival in Nansha, China, which they call "the largest lantern festival in the world"! Let's find out what exactly attracts them to these light shows.  

Austin/ Director of Greater Bay Area Youth International Cultural Exchange Center

This part showcases the Greater Bay Area. You see, from this side, it's Hong Kong.

Terry Jahmal/ American, Master’s Graduate of University of Michigan

All of this is inspired by real architectures?

Austin/ Director of Greater Bay Area Youth International Cultural Exchange Center

Yes.

Austin/ Director of Greater Bay Area Youth International Cultural Exchange Center

This part is "The Silk Road". In ancient times, the Silk Road started from (modern-day) Xi'an.  

Wow! Gorgeous! What will it look like when these graduates wear traditional Chinese clothing—Hanfu and walk along the streets?

Terry Jahmal/ American, Master’s Graduate of University of Michigan

I might even walk into a club like this. Everybody is going to look at me!

Austin/ Director of Greater Bay Area Youth International Cultural Exchange Center

This is called the “Floral Goddess”-- the iconic (Lantern) of the night. Do you see what is it on her hair?

--“ Flowers”

That is a very special culture.

This is an amazing light show. Austin, the organizer of the visit, tells these first-time visitors the stories behind the lantern festival and the displays. He wants them to better understand and appreciate the lanterns and the Spring Festival, which was recently added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Alyssa Baker/ British, Master’s Graduate of University of Cambridge

(The most exciting part) is seeing the “Floral Goddess” with the closing eyes and beautiful lakes.

Terry Jahmal/ American, Master’s Graduate of University of Michigan

We passed an enormous garden and show (lanterns of) different parts of the world that show the globalization of China, which I really personally enjoyed.

Anna Odorici/ Italian, Master’s Graduate of University of Cambridge

Tonight I leant a lot about the Lantern Festival. One thing I really love is the focus on family and on wishing everyone good fortune and happiness and health.I really like how China connects with family in a similar way that Italy does, and that, to me, it’s really meaningful.

Besides the fascinating light displays, Austin talked about how the Greater Bay Area is the most lively region in China. His center often has events in Nansha to help promote and increase cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Alyssa Baker/ British, Master’s Graduate of University of Cambridge

What I expected and What I experienced are two completely different things. I thought everybody was a little bit robotic and there’s a lot of pollution and factories, but then I experienced Guangzhou and Yangshuo, and saw such beautiful mountains and scenery. It really topped my expectations.

Terry Jahmal/ American, Master’s Graduate of University of Michigan

China is so big, so diverse. Right now I’m in Guangzhou. If I go to Chongqing, it’s like a different country, but it’s all in the same country, so that shows the diversity. I have many great stories about China. My overall experiences has been 10/10.