Expats in Xiangzhou gather together to celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice and the New Year. [Photo/WeChat account: HUAFAMSCE]

On the afternoon of Dec 14, despite the sudden drop in temperature and the chilly breeze, the outdoor garden of Huafa Community Management and Service Center for Expats was bustling with excitement and brimming with warmth. 

The third New Year celebration, co-hosted by Zhuhai science and technology innovation bureau and Associazione Amici della Cina, was held here in a heartwarming atmosphere. 

Over 100 Chinese and international friends from countries and regions including Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Austria, Bangladesh, Norway, Hong Kong China and Macao China gathered together to celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice and welcome the New Year amid delicious food and joyful laughter.

The air was filled with warmth and lively chatter. The rich aroma of Italian mulled wine wafted from thermal pots, while the steaming dumplings and Italian traditional Nonna's soup blended perfectly into a unique dish. Holding bowls of this special fusion dish, guests enjoyed the rich flavors and shared stories and New Year's wishes.

The game area at one side of the garden was constantly filled with hearty laughter. The organizers had thoughtfully arranged a series of fun games that sparked excitement among both children and adults, drawing cheers and amusement from the surrounding crowd.

International friends learn to make traditional dumplings with the guidance of volunteers. [Photo/WeChat account: HUAFAMSCE]

At the dumpling-making area, the instructor patiently guided international friends on how to create the perfect pleats. "The filling should be generous, and the seal must be tight, so they won't fall apart while cooking," he explained. 

Three different fillings had been prepared in advance. Under the instructor's patient demonstration and guidance, participants eagerly mimicked every step — rolling out the wrappers, filling, wrapping, and boiling — immersed in joyful busyness.

The highlight of the event was the creative magic show. Every movement of the magician captivated the entire audience. The children watched with wide eyes, not wanting to miss a single detail, while the adults rediscovered their childlike wonder, holding their breath one moment and cheering the next. When the show came to a close, many were still held in its spell, not ready for the wonder and joy to be over.

The event was initiated by Mattia Pinza, vice president of Associazione Amici della Cina and invited overseas director of Zhuhai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. In 2019, it was Mattia's connection that made his hometown of La Spezia, Italy, and Zhuhai become sister cities.

Holding bowls of the special dish, guests enjoy the rich flavors and shared stories and New Year's wishes. [Photo/WeChat account: HUAFAMSCE]

In 2023, Associazione Amici della Cina launched its first New Year celebration event at Huafa MSCE, marking the center's first activity independently planned and implemented by international friends. This year, Zhuhai science and technology innovation bureau joined as a co-organizer for the first time, advancing the event into its third edition and further expanding its influence and reach. 

ZHSTIB's deep involvement highlights Zhuhai's strong emphasis on and open attitude toward international talents. By supporting such activities initiated by the expatriate community and integrating diverse cultures, ZHSTIB not only provides a platform for foreign talents in Zhuhai to showcase and exchange ideas but also takes concrete actions to help expats integrate more deeply into local life.

Today's Zhuhai is emerging as a vibrant and multicultural hub. Expatriate professionals from around the world are deeply engaged in fields such as technological innovation, education, culture, and modern services, where wisdom and creativity intertwine and converge.