Thousands join in the festival spirit in Egypt

Two countries with ancient histories share a love for culture on the banks of the Nile, Deng Zhangyu reports from Cairo.

Egypt celebrated Spring Festival before China this year when the Maadi Island Park along the River Nile in Cairo hosted 11,000 locals on Feb 5 for an authentic Chinese experience, starting off with signature dragon and lion dances.

The park was covered with Chinese red lanterns, and kites of all shapes were flying high. Booths displayed Chinese traditional arts and crafts such as shadow playing, paper-cuts and painting on leaves. And of course, Chinese dumplings, noodles and chicken rice were offered along with other traditional foods.