Expats take a photo with Shi Ziqiang and his family in Qianyun community, Hangzhou, on Feb 14. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Chinese and international residents of Qianyun community in Jianggan district, Hangzhou have long enjoyed a harmonious neighborhood.

This friendliness was once again seen on Feb 14, when three expats working at the local Basis International School visited and sent New Year greetings to Shi Ziqiang, a veteran, and his family.

Alan Wilkinson, head of the international school, sent a paper with the Chinese character Fu to Shi's family, while his colleagues, Kyra Gailis and Suzie Sizemore, presented the family with Spring Festival couplets.

They helped Shi's family put up the decorations and received a cup of well-brewed tea and several tea-boiled eggs from the family.

"This is the first time we have celebrated Spring Festival with foreigners. The tea and eggs are our traditional blessings to bring them good luck," said Huang Zhiyuan, grandson of Shi.

The foreigners also wished everyone in Hangzhou a prosperous new year.

Qianyun community is currently home to over 100 expats and usually holds a variety of cultural activities to help them integrate into Chinese culture, including international food festivals, music galas, and traditional festivals.