On the afternoon of June 16, 2023, the School of International Exchange at Leshan Vocational and Technical College organized a cultural experience activity themed “Perceiving the Dragon Boat Festival Culture and Savoring the Rich Aroma of Zongzi.” The event included a lecture on the culture of the Dragon Boat Festival and a hands-on zongzi-making session, allowing international students studying in China to fully immerse themselves in the traditional atmosphere of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. It also provided international students, far from home, with an unforgettable time of reminiscing about ancient traditions and decorating their arms with colorful threads.

At the beginning of the event, Zhang Jingjing, the Deputy Secretary of the International College, greeted all the students with a Dragon Boat Festival poem, wishing them health and safety. She then introduced the historical origins and traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival, giving the international students a comprehensive understanding of the festival.

Food culture is an essential part of any festival experience. At the event venue, the canteen staff had already prepared glutinous rice, red beans, and bamboo leaves for zongzi-making. The students were eager and ready to show their skills. However, they soon encountered challenges. Watching the canteen staff skillfully fold the bamboo leaves into a cone, fill them with rice and beans, and then fold and tie the leaves to complete a zongzi in seconds, the students found it much more difficult. “I managed to put the rice in, but it all fell out when I tried to tie it!” many students said with a mix of frustration and amusement. Eventually, the students began to help each other, with one person holding the zongzi while another tied the string, resulting in a variety of uniquely shaped zongzi, adding a touch of fun to the activity.

“Perceiving Traditional Chinese Festivals” is a series of activities organized by the International College of Leshan Vocational and Technical College. During traditional Chinese festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Double Ninth Festival, the college arranges for international students to participate in experience activities and learn about the related knowledge. President Xi Jinping said, “Civilizations can only blend through exchanges and progress through integration.” The international students at Leshan Vocational and Technical College will also reap their bright futures in such an integrated and diverse campus culture.