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Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates Song Yun Art Expo for Students

During the recent Dragon Boat Festival, international students immersed themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Hangzhou as they visited local museums and participated in activities that celebrate Southern Song traditions. Teacher Yu Qian guided students from the Survey of China course on this cultural journey, which included a visit to the Hangzhou Fangzhi Museum and the Southern Song Deshougong Ruins Museum. Under the direction of Teacher Ma Qimin, students engaged with Southern Song customs, providing them with a lively, interactive experience.

As they explored, students from countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, Azerbaijan, and Australia had the unique opportunity to interact with Chinese history firsthand. They participated in various traditional activities, including trying on Hanfu—a traditional form of attire—taking part in the mulan soup ceremony, shooting non-toxic contests, and learning how to wrap rice dumplings and create sachets. This hands-on involvement allowed them to see and feel the essence of Chinese civilization.

The architecture of the museums added an enchanting backdrop to their experience. Pakistani student Redaina expressed her awe while walking on the time-worn bluestone slabs at the Deoksugung Palace, where she captured moments of Eastern beauty through her camera lens. Similarly, her fellow student, Masood from Australia, humorously envisioned himself as an explorer traversing through time to uncover the secrets of this exquisite palace, a testament to the profound impact of the surroundings.

Costumes played a significant role in this educational experience, acting as silent cultural ambassadors. The vibrant colors of Hanfu adorned the students as they posed for photographs against the historical red walls, momentarily becoming the center of attention. Muyassar, another student, light-heartedly donned a red handkerchief, embracing the playful spirit of his peers.

In addition to these activities, students also learned about the traditional art of making rice dumplings with local Hangzhou residents. Despite the competitiveness of the rice-dumpling wrapping contest, students shared their exhilaration and reflections, highlighting the joy of participation rather than the outcome.

Moreover, before creating their personalized sachets, students listened to the insights of TCM practitioner Xu Haoran, who elucidated the healing properties of different traditional Chinese herbs. Each participant took an active role in selecting, grinding, and packaging herbs to craft a sachet that embodies the cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival.

International students expressed their newfound appreciation for Chinese customs. Saboor from Pakistan remarked on the fascinating cultural craftsmanship behind the festival's traditions, whereas Kenyan student Lawrence shared her gratitude for the insights into Chinese history, attempting to articulate her feelings in Chinese.

This immersive cultural experience is an example of the multi-dimensional classroom approach adopted in the Survey of China course. The diverse learning opportunities not only embrace literature and art but also promote cultural exchanges, nurturing a deep understanding of Chinese societal values among international students.

The experience transcends mere academic exposure; it serves as a cultural bridge between international youth and the essence of Chinese tradition. Through shared conversations about architectural aesthetics and cultural practices, students cultivate a rich dialogue that fosters a greater appreciation for different lifestyles and traditions, reinforcing the vitality of cross-cultural understanding.

The Dragon Boat Festival celebration in Hangzhou has garnered attention from local media, further emphasizing the significance of cultural exchange and the role of educational activities in promoting international dialogue. This encounter highlights the profound impact of cultural experiences on students and the potential for such interactions to ripple across the globe.