Internationals enjoy making Zongzi. Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Young residents experience Asian Games sports.Photo: Jin Yingying
By Dai Ya
Did you have the opportunity to enjoy the culinary delight of cooking glutinous rice dumplings (粽子) or participate in an exciting dragon boat race today, on the occasion of the Dragon Boat Festival? The Qianyun Community of Hangzhou's Shangcheng District has devised an exciting solution to help international residents integrate into the local community on this festive day.
On June 18, the 2nd International Family Carnival took place in the community and welcomed residents from all over the city. It served as a pre-celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival and the Hangzhou Asian Games while fostering unity and a sense of belonging among locals and internationals.
Participants engaged in activities that showcased traditional Chinese culture, such as a glutinous rice dumpling usually made to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival) wrapping competition, sachet making, dough and sugar figurine creation, fan painting, and even learning how to use Chinese letterpress. In anticipation of the Asian Games, the carnival also featured fun sports events like land dragon boat racing, pot throwing, archery, table tennis competitions, frisbee throwing, hole-in-one golf contests, and the Asian Games knowledge quizzes.
Amidst the joyful atmosphere, children ran happily from one booth to another, holding sugar figurines and self-painted fans, while parents were trying to catch up with them. The air was filled with children's laughter and the heavy live music performed by some Chinese and international bands on the stage. The gloomy afternoon transformed into a warm and carefree experience. Among the families enjoying the carnival were Kseniia Lepilina from Ukraine and her family.
"This event is very interesting! It's also a great opportunity for children to interact with Chinese kids," Kseniia gently pointed to her brother, "It's the first time for us to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival and we are truly happy to learn about Chinese culture in this way."
Qianyun Community, known for its cultural diversity and international residents, is home to prominent establishments such as FAW Audi, Basis International School Hangzhou, and Hangzhou Qianjiang Foreign Language Experimental School. Over 700 international residents are living or working there.
Simone Neumeier from Germany, who recently arrived in Hangzhou to work at FAW Audi, was excited to experience the Dragon Boat Festival. "As a foreigner, it's easy to start here. The people in Hangzhou are friendly, and the city is full of life."
Patrick Fejtek, a Deputy General Manager of FAW Audi from Czech Republic, expressed his expectations for the upcoming Asian Games, highlighting the city's opportunity to increase its international awareness upon its already high prestige. He also expressed his delight that some of his favourite sports, such as beach volleyball and mountain biking, will be part of the Games.