Bridging Cultures Beyond Borders: Experiencing the Soul of Zibo

2025-06-23 11:02

　　On the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival, Zhangdian District hosted the traditional cultural event "Fragrant Zongzi, Warm Hearts: Celebrating the Festival with Overseas Compatriots", inviting Chinese expatriates, international students from Shandong University of Technology, and other distinguished guests to experience authentic folk customs. Amidst the verdant bamboo leaves and aromatic herbal scents, participants collectively wove cross-cultural bonds while savoring Zibo's unique urban culture of warmth and hospitality.

　　At the event, attendees collectively watched an educational video showcasing Dragon Boat Festival traditions,which detailed the festival's origins, customs, and cultural significance. Through multimedia presentations and live narration, overseas Chinese communities and international students gained vivid insights into the legendary stories behind the festival, immersing them in the profound heritage of Chinese culture.

　　The highlight was the hands-on cultural experience.At the zongzi-making station, participants arranged bamboo leaves, glutinous rice, and red dates as instructors demonstrated the technique:"three folds for the leaf, two scoops of rice, one tie with string."International students eagerly followed along—Russian student Eva carefully rolled the leaves, filled them with rice, and, despite her initial clumsiness, proudly produced her first tetrahedral zongzi. Beaming, she displayed her creation:"This is my festive gift for Chinese friends!"

　　At the sachet-making station, international and Chinese guests collaborated in selecting silk pouches, filling them with sun-dried medicinal herbs before meticulously sealing the bags with colorful threads."These sachets aren't just fragrant—they ward off evil and diseases! Chinese culture is fascinating!"exclaimed Yemeni student Wang Li as he admired his handmade creation, inhaling its aromatic blend.

　　As the event concluded, participants carried handmade crafts—blessing-filled zongzi, aromatic sachets, and round silk fans—forming a vibrant cultural procession. International students eagerly snapped photos to share their creations with families across the globe, transforming the Dragon Boat Festival's warmth into a bond that transcends continents.

　　This traditional culture event not only represents an innovative inheritance of Chinese traditional culture but also vividly showcases the integration of Chinese and foreign cultures in the new era. Zhangdian District will continue to use traditional festivals as a medium to enrich the cultural life of community residents. Moreover, it will enable more international friends to experience and perceive "Cultural China" and feel the warmth and charm of Zibo, which is affectionately known as "Zi (short for Zibo) with Love."