Primary and secondary school learners, university students, and guests were invited on Wednesday and were treated to a colorful celebration at the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, to mark the beginning of the year of the dragon which officially starts on Saturday.

The venue featured ornate decorations with splashes of red and gold embellishments and lucky symbols.

Visitors got an opportunity to participate in cultural experiences including painting, paper cutting and pot throwing as well as experiencing Chinese cuisines like spicy hotpot, steamed stuffed buns, Chinese hamburgers, dumplings and barbecue among others.

They were also treated to heartwarming performances including face-changing, lion dance, dragon dance, drumming, Chinese opera, Chinese songs and a talent show featuring Chinese traditional attires as well as a blend of Chinese and Kenyan fashion.

Leah Muthoni, a student at the University of Nairobi lauded the Chinese cuisines served at the event, especially noodles and dumplings. She also appreciated the decorations, drawings, pictures and performances.

Similar sentiments were also shared by George Mwita, another student from the University of Nairobi who greatly enjoyed pot throwing game.

In his welcoming speech, Professor Stephen Kiama, the vice chancellor of the University of Nairobi who doubles up as the Kenya director of the Confucius Institute, hoped this year will be a good year of development because the Chinese dragon horns represent power and strength, while the drums represent courage and vibrancy.