Ukrainians show off the peonies they drew. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

A group of foreign teachers from Zhejiang University Ningbo Institute of Technology have taken a liking to Ningbo and Chinese culture since they started working in the city several years ago.

Dr. Constantine from the Ukraine has been working at the school for six years. He can speak fluent Chinese and knows how to make traditional Chinese paintings, especially of peonies. 

He taught peony painting at local schools and cultural institutions in the Ukraine when he returned home for the summer of 2019.

In 2018, Dr. Constantine was given the West Lake Friendship Award, Zhejiang province's highest honor for foreigners who have contributed to the province's development. He sent a painting to Governor Yuan Jiajun after the award ceremony.

He also sent his two children to study at schools in Ningbo and encouraged them to learn Chinese.

Several other foreign teachers from Ireland, Brazil, Japan and other countries married Ningbo locals and continue to live in the city.

The school offered special courses and activities for foreign teachers to learn Chinese and Chinese culture, including paper-cutting and calligraphy.

Foreign teachers make lanterns at the Zhejiang University Ningbo Institute of Technology. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]