On June 14, 2026, more than 30 international participants gathered at Wenzhou University’s College of International Education for a Dragon Boat Festival cultural experience event. Part of the “Bridging China·Experience China” public welfare lecture series, the activity offered hands-on workshops in sachet-making, colorful bracelet weaving, traditional food tasting, and dragon boat race viewing.

The event opened with a brief cultural lecture on the festival’s origins—honoring the poet Qu Yuan—and its customs, including eating zongzi, hanging mugwort, and wearing perfumed sachets and five-colored silk braids, which symbolize health and good fortune.

In the DIY session, participants learned to identify herbal ingredients such as mugwort and cloves, then crafted their own sachets and braided wristbands under the guidance of teachers and volunteers. Though many were trying these crafts for the first time, the atmosphere was lively and collaborative, with each participant creating a unique souvenir filled with personal meaning.

Traditional festive foods—zongzi and mung bean pastries—were served during a break, prompting cross-cultural conversations as attendees shared their own holiday traditions.

The event concluded with a screening of exciting dragon boat race footage, showcasing the teamwork and competitive spirit that define this ancient tradition.

“I never knew every herb and knot could carry so much meaning,” one participant remarked. “It’s not just a festival—it’s about health, family, and unity.”

The College of International Education at Wenzhou University remains committed to hosting more cultural activities that help international friends explore and appreciate Chinese culture, fostering mutual understanding and friendship.