International students try their hands at writing the Chinese character of Fu. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

Some 30 international students from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) in Jiangsu province celebrated the Spring Festival with teachers on Feb 3, local media outlets reported.

The students are from some 10 countries such as Pakistan, Yemen, Tanzania, Bolivia and East Timor. The day also marked the first solar term of the year, Start of Spring, which begins on Feb 3 and ends on Feb 17.

The students tried their hands at writing Fu on pieces of squared red paper and then hung them on the front doors of their domitories, observing the tradition that has been followed by Chinese people for centuries during the Spring Festival to extend best wishes for the new year.

A student from Bolivia said it was her first time to celebrate the Spring Festival in a traditional way. She enjoyed the activity and felt it an authentic Lunar New Year to have her own Fu.

Another student from Yemen said he used to see people writing Fu and pasting couplets for the Spring Festival. He was excited to take part in the activity as it brought hime a sense of being at home. He also knew Chinese people will get reunion on New Year's Eve for a dinner together and visit and greet relatives and friends on the following days.

Many students also sent New Year greetings to their families thousands of kilometers away. They said all is well being at NUAA and in China.

International students paste Fu and Spring Festival couplets on doors. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]