International students celebrate Dragon Boat Festival in Ningbo

International students make mugwort bouquets. [Photo/Tide News]

As Dragon Boat Festival approaches, more than 20 international students from Ningbo University and Ningbo University of Finance and Economics joined local residents in Yancang community, Jiangbei district, Ningbo, to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Dressed in elegant hanfu, traditional Chinese attire, the students took part in a variety of festive activities, including making mugwort bouquets, wrapping zongzi, and weaving colorful bracelets. Sitting together with community residents, they learned about the origins and customs of Dragon Boat Festival, one of China's four major traditional holidays.

Under the guidance of instructors, the students crafted mugwort bouquets using calamus leaves, colorful cords, and decorative ornaments such as gourds and sachets.

Lina, a Moroccan student studying at Ningbo University, said it was her first time making a mugwort bouquet. "I used to associate the festival mainly with zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), but now I have a much deeper understanding of its traditions," she said.

Zongzi-making was especially popular. With the help of local residents, students learned how to fold leaves, fill them with glutinous rice, and tie them securely. Li Songcai, an Indonesian student from a Chinese family, said the familiar taste of zongzi reminded him of home.

International students try their hand at making zongzi. [Photo/Tide News]