International students share Laba congee with local residents on Jan 18. The congee is believed by Chinese people to help nourish the blood, strengthen the body, and stave off thirst. The Laba Festival and the 24th solar term of Major Cold fall on the same day of Jan 20 this year, which is a rare coincidence. Aside from eating Laba Congee, ancestor worship and making Laba garlic are two other major customs to celebrate the festival. The day also marks that snow, rain, and icy cold weather will exert a big influence on people's lives. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]