Despite the chill of early spring, the arrival hall of Ningbo Lishe International Airport was filled with warmth. On March 2, on the eve of the Lantern Festival, the Ningbo Airport Immigration Inspection Station, together with the Wujiangkou Community of Wangchun Subdistrict in the Haishu District and the Ningbo Gangyagou Food Co., Ltd., held a unique and festive celebration. With activities such as guessing lantern riddles, practicing calligraphy, and making Tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), passengers who had just entered the country were able to instantly experience the rich flavor of a Ningbo Spring Festival and the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.

At 1 p.m., a corner of the arrival hall had been carefully arranged into a festive cultural experience area. Colorful lantern riddle slips hung beneath red lanterns, attracting many disembarked passengers to stop and take a look. Immigration police officers and community volunteers were enthusiastically guiding everyone to participate in solving the riddles.

"Guessing lantern riddles during the Lantern Festival is a traditional custom. Many of these riddles also incorporate aspects of Ningbo's local customs and culture," a volunteer explained to the gathered passengers. Among the crowd, some passengers stared intently at the riddles in thought, while families huddled together in quiet discussion. Those who guessed correctly cheered as they received small gifts, with laughter filling the air. Passengers from all corners of the country got an early taste of the joyous Lantern Festival atmosphere through this friendly competition.

The calligraphy experience area nearby was equally popular. A community calligraphy enthusiast was wielding a brush dipped in ink, writing Lantern Festival blessings on the spot for the passengers. As community calligraphy teacher Qiu Yongping moved his brush with fluid grace, words of blessing appeared vividly on the red paper. Indian passenger BEGUR GAURAV AYUSH, who is studying in Ningbo, curiously picked up a brush. Guided by a community volunteer, he carefully wrote the character "Fu" (fortune/blessing) on a red paper. Though his strokes were a bit unpolished, his effort earned applause from those around him.

"This is my first time trying Chinese calligraphy. It's really interesting!" He said with a smile, adding that he planned to take this "work of art" back to India as a souvenir.

If we were to talk about the liveliest part of the event, it would undoubtedly be the Tangyuan-making experience area. A long table was set with glutinous rice flour, black sesame filling, and other ingredients. Cai Shengmeng, a staff member from Gangyagou, was patiently teaching everyone how to make Tangyuan, showing step-by-step techniques. "First, roll the dough into a ball, then flatten it. Add the filling, and then slowly seal it up..." Under the staff's guidance, immigration police officers and passengers tried their hand together. In no time, trays were filled with perfectly round Tangyuan.

Australian passenger SPRENKELER JAMES JOHNATHAN shared his delight: "The Tangyuan tastes great. It was a wonderful surprise for me. I really like it!"

"Usually, we check and clear passengers at the inspection booths. Today, being able to make Tangyuan, guess lantern riddles, and watch calligraphy with everyone feels especially meaningful," said Bao Yifeng, Deputy Captain of the Fourth Operation Team at the Ningbo Airport Immigration Inspection Station, with a smile. "This is not only a way to pass on traditional culture but also a vivid demonstration of the close bond between the police and the people."

Indian passenger BEGUR ANANTHRAM shared his thoughts: "I've lived in China for many years. I've long considered myself half Indian and half Chinese. I've experienced the Lantern Festival atmosphere in Ningbo before, but this is the first time I've encountered such festivities right upon arrival at the airport. It feels fantastic, and I'm very happy! I wish everyone a Happy Lantern Festival!"