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Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates Song Yun at Art Expo for Students

During the recent Dragon Boat Festival, international students immersed themselves in the rich traditions of Southern Song culture while exploring museums in Hangzhou. Guided by Teacher Yu Qian, these students, enrolled in the Survey of China course, had the unique opportunity to visit both the Hangzhou Fangzhi Museum and the Southern Song Deshougong Ruins Museum. This cultural excursion, organized by Teacher Ma Qimin, was designed to provide an engaging experience through the lens of Southern Song Dragon Boat Festival customs.

As they wandered through the elegant settings of the Fang Zhi Hall and the historically resonant Deoksugung Palace with its mottled red walls, students from diverse backgrounds including Pakistan, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Finland, Kenya, Liberia, Australia, and the Maldives engaged with Chinese history. Pakistani student Redaina, donning Hanfu and standing atop a bluestone slab, captured the moments of beauty and cultural significance with her camera. Another student, Masood from Australia, vividly expressed a desire to travel back to the Southern Song period and explore its architectural marvels.

Costumes served as powerful symbols of cultural transmission during this festival. As students dressed in Hanfu from different dynasties posed for photographs against the backdrop of Deoksugung Palace, their enjoyment was palpable. Muyassar, clad in a red handkerchief, humorously claimed the role of 'emperor' among his peers, further enriching the cultural atmosphere.

In addition to costume photography, students participated in hands-on culinary activities with local residents. They engaged in a spirited rice dumpling competition, culminating in hearty laughter and friendly rivalry, as one student expressed a mix of disappointment and joy at their near victory.

Before delving into the art of making sachets, students received insights from professional TCM practitioner Xu Haoran regarding the medicinal properties of traditional Chinese herbs. Each student selected their herbs, preparing them with care, and ultimately crafted their own Dragon Boat Festival sachets, deepening their personal connection to this cultural tradition.

The experience elicited reflections from the students, such as Saboor from Pakistan, who found the process of creating Dragon Boat Festival items to be enlightening. He remarked on the fascinating craftsmanship and cultural meaning intertwined within the practices.

Lawrence from Kenya, looking to capture her appreciation in Chinese, expressed gratitude for the trip and emphasized the invaluable insight it provided into China's historical and cultural landscape.

This enriching cultural endeavor was not merely a boundless display of customs; it functioned as a bridge connecting international students to the depths of Chinese civilization. The broader context of this Dragon Boat Festival event is rooted in the 'multi-dimensional classroom' educational approach of the Survey of China course, where students previously engaged with various aspects of Chinese literature and art.

As the students enjoyed their time, reveling in the fragrance of rice dumplings and the elegance of Hanfu, it became evident that cultural exchange transcends mere tradition. This event has fostered discussions on aesthetic values, ethical practices, and lifestyle wisdom, weaving a rich tapestry of shared understanding.

An apt metaphor for this ongoing dialogue is the Dragon Boat Festival sachet; it encapsulates not only the ancient wisdom of the Southern Song era but also inspires new avenues for cultural exchange among youth worldwide, creating ripples that extend far beyond the shores of Hangzhou.

The coverage of the Dragon Boat Festival event at Fang Zhi Guan also attracted attention from prominent Hangzhou media, with reports featured in 'Hangzhou Daily' and other outlets, showcasing the event's broader cultural significance.