On the afternoon of May 30, a heart warming event titled "Traditional Chinese Culture Experience—Dragon Boat Festival" was held at College of International Exchange at Shenzhen University Co-organized by the International Office, the College of International Exchange,Wenshan Lake Student Community Committee, and the "Enriching Hearts Through Culture" Shenzhen University National Education Base Studio, the event attracted over 80 international faculty and students from various countries and regions.

This is a dialogue between tradition and modernity, a collision of culture and soul. Friends from around the world gather in this festival steeped in history and emotion, experiencing the charm of Chinese culture amid the fragrance of herbs.

At the beginning of the event, everyone learned about the origins and evolution of the Dragon Boat Festival through lively and engaging explanations—from commemorating the patriotic poet Qu Yuan to traditional customs like dragon boat racing, hanging mugwort, and wearing sachets. These practices carry profound humanistic spirit and patriotic sentiment.

Many international students shared that while they had heard of the Dragon Boat Festival before, they had never explored its cultural significance in such depth. The event not only broadened their knowledge but also sparked a strong interest in traditional Chinese culture.

The real highlight came when the cultural immersion began. At the sachet-making station, participants carefully stitched each seam and thoughtfully selected herbs like mugwort and mint to fill their pouches. This was more than just a crafting challenge—it was a "hands-on encounter with traditional Chinese medicinal culture."

As the air filled with the natural aroma of herbs, some students marveled while working: "I never knew Chinese festivals had such health-conscious traditions!"

Next came the DIY mugwort and calamus door-hanging session, where participants creatively combined festive herbs with colorful strings and fabric decorations to craft symbolic holiday ornaments. Many students expressed delighted surprise at discovering how Chinese traditions use "natural botanicals" to convey festive blessings - a practice they found both ingenious and heartwarming.

This was a cultural celebration where language barriers faded and heartfelt connections flourished. Participants from diverse backgrounds gathered together—sometimes helping each other with stitching, other times sharing similar traditions from their own festivals. Through collaboration, they experienced; through listening, they understood. The magic of culture quietly passed between them.

Whether exchange students visiting China for the first time or international students who had studied Chinese for years, everyone found warmth and a sense of belonging in this shared experience.

As the event drew to a close, participants gathered for group photos, their smiling faces framed by the handmade sachets and door hangings - beautiful testaments to this cultural journey. The celebration then transitioned into a cozy tea break, where attendees enjoyed traditional Chinese pastries while sharing stories about their festivals, hometowns, languages and cultures. Every smile exchanged, every meeting of eyes, became its own bridge of cultural connection.

Through this event, international faculty and students gained not only a profound understanding of the Dragon Boat Festival's cultural significance, but also experienced the intricacy and warmth of Chinese traditions through hands-on practice. The sachets in their hands and the mugwort on their doors served as both cultural vessels and emotional connectors.

Shenzhen University remains committed to building bridges for cross-cultural exchange. We will continue organizing engaging, interactive cultural activities that combine education with enjoyment - helping the world better understand China while facilitating Chinese culture's journey onto the global stage.