A cultural exchange event was held in Chongchuan district, Nantong on June 7, bringing together nearly 20 international students from countries including Morocco, Zimbabwe, and Indonesia to experience the traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Foreign students learn about the origins and significance of the Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The event took place at Binjiang Park, the first park built along the Yangtze River in Nantong. The foreign guests enjoyed a scenic tour, taking in views of the Yangtze River and distant mountains from a sightseeing bus. Following the tour, they were introduced to the origins, significance, and historical legends of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Students learn how to make zongzi. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Participants engaged in various traditional activities, such as making zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in leaves), crafting scented sachets, braiding colorful ropes, and creating mugwort decorations.

"The process of making zongzi was incredibly fun. It's amazing how such narrow leaves can tightly wrap so much filling, giving the zongzi a rich and solid texture," said a Moroccan student, who praised the taste of the traditional food.

Foreign students experience traditional customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]