Recently, nearly 200 diplomats from 66 countries, including Jordan, Austria, Thailand and Brazil, and representatives and family members of international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank and the European Union, came to Mentougou, Beijing, to participate in the Lantern Festival, learn about the intangible cultural heritage, watch cultural performances, taste the special food, experience the atmosphere of Chinese-foreign integration of life, and appreciate the poetic and picturesque atmosphere of Mentougou as an eco-cultivation area.

At the event, Yu Huafeng, Secretary of Beijing Mentougou District Committee, and Mr. Hussam Al Husseini, Ambassador of Jordan to China, jointly struck the gong to announce the official opening of the Lantern Festival.

In the garden party, the ancient booth layout, Chinese-style lanterns and curtains, a wide range of various commodities, attractive food and snacks, so that people can trace back to the prosperous scene of the ancient bazaar. Diplomats holding the event's exclusive "passport book" and started the journey of Mentougou to collect all the stamps.

In front of the intangible cultural heritage stalls such as paper-cutting, Beijing embroidery and gourd carving, the diplomats lingered and stopped to feel the traditional New Year flavor with Chinese characteristics. Members of the mission were attracted by the charm of cultural and creative products such as "Great Wall bricks" and "glazed beasts". At the specialty snack stalls, Yuanxiao, sugar gourds and other delicacies became the most sought-after goods in the market.

"The drumming performance is stunning, the drum beats were very rhythmic and the actors were very passionate, vividly conveying the joy of the festival, which I loved. In addition, my country, Austria, is mountainous, and I feel very familiar when I come to Mentougou." Austrian Ambassador in China said.

"I love all this Chinese food at the event, I've been to many cities in China, but my favorite is the Chinese people because they are warm, cheerful and hardworking." Cuba's ambassador in China, Sigrid Paik, said.

At the event, parade performers dressed in ancient Chinese costumes and holding non-heritage fish-shaped lanterns paraded through the streets, recreating the stunning charm of ancient poems. Many diplomats and their family members changed into Chinese costumes and took pictures with excitement on the street.

On behalf of the diplomats in China, Dario Mihailin, Ambassador of Croatia to China, said at the launching ceremony on the same day that this event provides an opportunity for the diplomats in China to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. It is incumbent upon diplomats to pass on culture and promote exchanges. I am very glad to be able to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year with everyone in Mentougou, wishing Chinese friends a happy Chinese New Year and wishing everyone a happy Lantern Festival.