"I have been in Guangzhou for so many years, but have never been to this place (Liwan Lake). It is also my first time taking a flower boat. The air is fresh and the weather is warm and sunny," Victoria, a Ukrainian professor at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music, said in an interview with GDToday.

Steven (left), Victoria (middle) and Omar (right) pose for the camera in front of a flower boat in Liwan Lake Park, Guangzhou on February 2, 2023. (Photo: GDToday)

On February 2, three days before the Lantern Festival, a dozen expats from six countries toured the floating flower market in Guangzhou's Liwan Lake Park. Organized by the Guangzhou International Cooperation Center, the event is dedicated to letting foreigners better understand Lingnan's interesting traditional festival customs and architectural styles. Participants are invited to visit the Guangfu Tea Culture Museum, Xiguan Mansion, enjoy a Liwan Lake cruise, and circled peach blossom trees to pray for good luck like the locals.

"I thought it was a bowl for salt, but it's actually for tea storage, which is very interesting," said a Malaysian couple. After visiting the Tea Culture Museum, they were presented with a souvenir tea box in the shape of a persimmon. The Guangfu Tea Culture Museum in Liwan Lake Park is the first non-governmental tea museum built by tea merchants in Guangzhou. It collects thousands of standard teas, special tea utensils and graphic materials, which tells the history of Cantonese tea culture.

Expats visit the Guangfu Tea Culture Museum in Liwan District, Guangzhou on February 2, 2023. (Photo: GDToday)

There are some well-preserved Xiguan Mansions in the Liwan Museum. The Xiguan Mansion is a house where wealthy Guangzhou people lived in the past. It is full of unique Lingnan architectural style, which has left deep impression on expats. Steven Moore, a teacher from the United States, said, "Guangzhou is a city with a long history, and it was cool to see both new and old mansions here." He also pointed out that he will share pictures of the fun experience with his friends. "We had a lot of fun today, and I hope that my friends come to see it in the future."

Victoria said that her foreign friends who have lived in Guangzhou for years are also interested in getting a deeper understanding of the culture here, and traditional festivals are a great opportunity. "Through these activities, I have learned more about the lifestyle of people in Guangdong."

As the Lantern Festival is around the corner, Victoria said she has prepared some Tangyuan, a traditional Chinese dessert made of glutinous rice. Steven said he will search for more information about the Lantern fair at Guangzhou Cultural Park.

If you want to experience more about the Lantern Festival, don't miss out on the special activities at Liwan Lake Park and other parks in Guangzhou. Traditional performances and beautiful lanterns are waiting for you this Sunday!

Expats wish everyone a happy Lantern Festival. (Photo: GDToday)