Fahad takes a photo with sugar painting artist Zhang Yang. [Photo/JiangsuNow International Communication Center]

Fahad, a PhD student from Pakistan studying at Nanjing University, spent this year's Spring Festival exploring traditional Chinese culture in Nanjing.

Before the holiday, Fahad noticed posts on social media about a New Year market and intangible cultural heritage performances taking place at Pearl Spring Scenic Area. Curious to experience the celebrations, he quickly made plans to visit.

As soon as he entered the scenic area, a lively dragon dance parade greeted him. Accompanied by the rhythm of gongs and drums, the dragon's head led the procession while its long body twisted and rolled in coordinated movements, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

Nearby, a stage performance combined traditional Chinese opera with a modern band. In the bustling market area, stalls selling paper-cut art, decorative prints, and local snacks lined the path. At one booth, sugar painting artist Zhang Yang skillfully poured amber-colored syrup from a small copper ladle, quickly shaping it into the image of a galloping horse.

Not far from the source of Pearl Spring, another performance captured Fahad's attention. Yang Shengju, dressed in a traditional Miao ethnic costume, stood balanced on a single bamboo pole floating on the water.

Watching from the shore, Fahad was fascinated. "It's the first time I've seen something like this," he said. "It looks both exciting and nerve-racking. To stay balanced while coordinating your whole body must take years of practice."

A striking molten iron performance. [Photo/JiangsuNow International Communication Center]

As night fell, the highlight of the evening began: the spectacular, striking molten iron performance. Performers standing on 24 bamboo rafts flung molten iron heated to 1,600 C into the air, creating dazzling showers of sparks that cascaded like golden rain.

"This year in China, I experienced a truly authentic Spring Festival," Fahad said. "I saw the courage, romance and love of life that Chinese people have. And I feel I've found a new way of becoming Chinese."