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Jun 26, 2025

Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates Song Yun Art Expo for International Students

Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates Song Yun Art Expo for International Students

During the recent Dragon Boat Festival, international students delved into the rich cultural tapestry of Hangzhou by visiting prominent museums under the guidance of Teacher Yu Qian from the Survey of China course. The program, organized by Teacher Ma Qimin, used the Southern Song Dynasty’s Dragon Boat Festival traditions as a bridge for a profound cultural experience, providing participants from countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Finland, Kenya, Liberia, Australia, and the Maldives an opportunity to engage with the essence of Chinese history. Activities included trying on Hanfu, participating in a mulan soup ceremony, enjoying non-toxic shooting contests, and learning the art of wrapping rice dumplings to create sachets.

The architectural grace of the Fangzhi Hall and the historic aura of Deoksugung Palace combined to form what felt like a living history lesson. Pakistani student Redaina, adorned in traditional Hanfu, described how she was mesmerized by the beauty of the Chinese garden, capturing this moment of Oriental aesthetics through her camera lens. The students expressed admiration for the exquisite remnants of the indoor palace at Deoksugung, with Masood from Australia remarking on a whimsical desire to time-travel back to the Southern Song era as an explorer amidst such remarkable structures.

As students donned Hanfu from various dynasties to pose in front of the vivid red walls of Deoksugung Palace, the costumes acted as silent cultural ambassadors, momentarily drawing attention. Among the group, Muyassar, wearing a distinctive red handkerchief, playfully embraced the spirit of the event, humorously casting himself as an 'emperor' amid the banter of peers.

Working alongside Hangzhou residents, the students learned to prepare traditional rice dumplings, resulting in a celebratory competition. One student jovially recounted, 'I lost, but I was very close. It's okay—I am just happy to participate.' This hands-on involvement highlighted the significance of community and collaboration in cultural encounters.

Prior to crafting their own sachets, students received insights from TCM practitioner Xu Haoran on the herbal ingredients and their traditional medicinal roles. Each student engaged in a tactile experience by choosing herbs, grinding them, and ultimately creating their own sachet for the Dragon Boat Festival, further deepening their connection to the traditions.

International students shared their reflections on the experience, with Saboor from Pakistan expressing admiration for the traditional craftsmanship associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, noting that the cultural significance was truly captivating. Lawrence from Kenya, attempting to articulate her gratitude in Chinese, remarked on how the trip offered invaluable insights into Chinese history and culture, showcasing the power of cultural exchanges.

These interactions reflect the timeless nature of cultural threads woven into the fabric of society, much like the enduring presence of wormwood in a Dragon Boat Festival sachet.

This cultural immersion coincides with the 'multi-dimensional classroom' philosophy underpinning the Survey of China course. Earlier this year, students explored themes of literature and art, delving into Chinese aesthetics through exhibitions and workshops that fostered a tangible connection to Zhejiang’s cultural legacy.

The experiences during the Dragon Boat Festival extend beyond mere celebrations, offering international youth a profound understanding of historical traditions while engaging in dynamic dialogue about architectural beauty, cultural wisdom, and festival ethics. This enriches their comprehension of traditional culture and fosters cross-cultural connections.

With this event, which resided in a serene corner of Hangzhou, the cultural ripples resonate globally, akin to those stirred by the Dragon Boat Festival itself, encouraging ongoing engagement and understanding among youth from various corners of the world.

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