Tibetan students try virtual reality gadgets in Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/CFP]

Some 700 Tibetan students studying at a middle school in Nantong, Jiangsu province decided to stay in the city for the Spring Festival holiday, local media outlets reported.

They were answering the national call to avoid unnecessary travel during this busy travel season, aiming to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"I think staying in Nantong with my classmates will bring me a similar feeling as being home," said a Tibetan student.

Huang Jing, a teacher of the school whose hometown is in Xiaogan, Hubei province, said that while she missed her family, she thought that the students were more homesick than her.

"I felt it was my duty to stay with my students in this special period," Huang said.

Having been teaching in Nantong for six years, the 33-year-old teacher said that she got strong support from her family members even though she has not been home for two years.

"I was moved as my family also really misses me, but they understood that I needed to be professional about my work," Huang said.

Gao Qiuxin is a 28-year-old music teacher from the nearby city Huai'an. She has also decided to stay at the school during the Spring Festival and has planned to carry out singing competitions, as well as talent shows to enrich the students' holiday.

"I might find another way to give New Year's greetings to my family, such as having a video call with them," Gao said.