From News Center (Text by Huang Jianxia, School of International Education; Photos by Liang Yanying and International Student HATIM OULMAMOUNE, School of International Education) Even before the Dragon Boat Festival arrived, the fragrance of zongzi was already in the air. On the evening of June 18, the Ingenuity Academy was brightly lit and filled with laughter as the Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Fair for International Students, themed “Zongzi Aroma and Ancient Charm: Experiencing China at Dragon Boat Festival,” opened in full swing. Teachers from the School of International Education and more than 100 Chinese and international students gathered to celebrate the traditional festival with the energy of a youth party, showing that the Dragon Boat Festival can also be wonderfully trendy.

The evening party was co-hosted bilingually by ZUCHRIYAN ALFIN SUKMANA from Indonesia and Huang Yiyang, a cheerful girl from Nigeria. Their lively exchanges and witty remarks quickly brought the atmosphere to life. In the opening “culture mini-class,” Gan Yu became a “Dragon Boat Festival storyteller,” taking everyone back through thousands of years with a lighthearted and engaging introduction to the history wrapped inside zongzi and the ancient wisdom carried by mugwort. International students then took turns showcasing talents from their home countries, including Indonesian song and dance, African music and Afghan dance. The stage became a small kaleidoscope of world cultures, with applause and cheers rising one after another. As soon as the performances ended, steaming hot zongzi was served. Soft, glutinous and fragrant, they gave everyone a taste of Dragon Boat Festival culture as students chatted and enjoyed the festive treat together.

Watching the performances was only part of the fun. The real highlight came at the five challenge booths. Four traditional games, including pitch-po, shuttlecock kicking, sandbag tossing (for getting rid of the “five poisons”) and picking up table tennis balls with chopsticks, tested participants’ speed, accuracy and teamwork, turning the venue into a lively arena of fun. After completing each challenge, participants received a stamp in their activity booklet. Those who collected all four stamps could unlock the final experience: making fragrant sachets by hand. With mugwort, dried flowers and other aromatic materials placed inside, each sachet carried not only fragrance but also wishes for peace and good health. One student smiled and said, “This sachet smells amazing and is so useful. I’m going to hang it by my bed!”

Throughout the event, cheers never stopped and smiling faces were everywhere. International students experienced Chinese style through traditional games and showcased international flair on stage. Chinese traditions and cultures from around the world met and blended naturally, fully reflecting LZPU’s diverse, inclusive and open campus atmosphere.

This festival-themed gathering not only allowed international students to experience the depth and vitality of Chinese culture in an immersive way, but also built a bridge of friendship that helped young people from different countries grow closer and better understand one another. In the future, the School of International Education will continue to bring fresh ideas to cross-cultural activities, offering more engaging, meaningful and warm experiences that help Chinese and international youth spark inspiration through interaction, build friendships through exchange, and let the world hear the warm voice of LZPU.

Check-in Session

Cultural Performances by International Students

Garden Fair Activities

College Website Auditors: Initially reviewed by Huang Jianxia, followed by a review by Wu Zhaohui, and further reviewed by Wei Linhua

University Website Auditors: Initially reviewed by Chen Chen, Publicity Department of the CPC LZPU Committee; finally reviewed by Luo Shihua, Publicity Department of the CPC LZPU Committee