On June 9th, over 200 domestic and international students of Huaqiao University (HQU) gathered at the student community center on Quanzhou and Xiamen campuses to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. They made zongzi and scented sachets, tied multi-color strings, and shot arrows at five-poisonous-pests targets.

Zongzi are traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. They are made of glutinous rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. At the community center, students learned how to make zongzi from the staff and soon immersed themselves in the filling and wrapping. Everyone was enveloped in a joyful and homely atmosphere.

“The leaves to wrap zongzi with are similar to a common ingredient from my hometown, which is called pandan leaves. They both lend delicate flavor,” said Li Zhengkang from Thailand, “I really enjoyed making zongzi. It felt like preparing food with my family. I also look forward to attending more Chinese festivals at HQU for more cultural connections between Thailand and China.”

A shared kitchen at the community center allows the students to savor more charm of the Dragon Boat Festival -- tasting freshly steamed zongzi. The center staff also created a special zone for the international students to experience other Dragon Boat Festival traditions.

Zhang Ziyan was shooting arrows at the targets of five poisonous pests. Chinese people traditionally believe that they could ward off danger and diseases if they drive away scorpions, snakes, centipedes, geckos and toads (the five poisonous pests) on this day. “Chinese festivals are amazing. I will definitely share my experiences with my friends some day,” the Malaysian girl said.

Filipino Chinese student Shi Xinyi made a mugwort massage hammer, and it soon grew on her. “It is very practical. It has a light fragrance and repels mosquitoes. I can also use it to preserve my health. I’m making another one for my roommate,” she said.

Additionally, student clubs sent their best wishes for the Dragon Boat Festival. The Tea Art Society performed a tea ceremony, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association brought herbs for making scented sachets, and Our Life, a lifestyle association, provided detailed directions for tying five-color strings.

The one-stop student community at HQU regularly organizes activities on Chinese festivals such as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. These activities not only promote international students’ understanding of Chinese traditions, but also effectively enhance the communication and integration between domestic and international students, creating a friendly, vibrant, and harmonious neighborhood on HQU campuses.

Making Zongzi

Making Mugwort Massage Hammers

Making Scented Sachets

Performing a Tea Ceremony

Displaying Zongzi

(Editor: Wei Linying)