From participating in thrilling dragon boat races to savoring traditional Chinese delicacies, many international visitors in China are immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere and enjoying the charm of traditional Chinese culture as the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated across the country.
The annual festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, was celebrated on May 31 this year. Traditionally, it is a time to ward off misfortune, as it was believed that venomous creatures would appear around this time. The festival also commemorates the beloved Chinese poet Qu Yuan (339–278 BC) from the Warring States Period (475–221 BC).
In a park in Shanghai's Minhang District, a team of international students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and East China Normal University competed fiercely in a dragon boat race. Several Russian students, participating for the first time, were thrilled by the event, as it allowed them to experience the importance of teamwork and sparked a strong interest in traditional Chinese culture.
"Today was amazing because dragon boat racing is a team sport, and we were all so excited to work together. We also hope that after returning to Russia, we can continue this sport in Moscow and help spread Chinese culture together," said a student from Russia.
Meanwhile, an event featuring a wide range of immersive activities was held in the Shibati scenic area of southwest China's Chongqing.
Young people from both China and abroad enjoyed the vibrancy of China's rich cultural heritage while writing Chinese calligraphy on traditional moon-shaped fans and making sachets and Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
In Chongzhou City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, international visitors from Japan, Pakistan, Vietnam and other countries gathered to craft Chinese sachets, try their hand at traditional bamboo weaving, and sample unique local delicacies. The event offered a lively, hands-on introduction to the region's intangible cultural traditions, leaving many with lasting memories of Chinese festival customs and craftsmanship.
"I'm a Chinese language teacher, and I would love to bring this intangible cultural heritage craft back to my classroom. I think it could encourage my students to take an interest in understanding Chinese culture," said Nguyen Bich Ngoc from Vietnam.
In Gongqingcheng, a county-level city in east China's Jiangxi Province, international students had the opportunity to learn about the traditional custom of sachet making. Guided by their instructors, they carefully stitched and decorated the sachets with tassels, then filled them with fragrant herbs -- completing their own small but exquisite creations.
"I made this sachet myself today, and I plan to give it to my mother when I return to Vietnam," said an international student from Gongqing Institute of Science and Technology.
In a village in Funing, east China's Jiangsu Province, international tourists learned how to make Zongzi under the guidance of local villagers. From arranging the bamboo leaves and adding rice and fillings, to wrapping and tying the Zongzi, the experience allowed them to fully immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture.
Int’l visitors soak up festive vibes across China as Dragon Boat Festival celebrated nationwide
