By Jin Lu

On the morning of 22 May, Taojiazai Village in Fenghua District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, came alive with the festive spirit as it hosted the 2025 "Fenghua Nice - Dragon Boat Festival" celebration. Amidst joyful music and laughter, international students from Ningbo University's Business School joined local villagers in a vibrant celebration of Chinese tradition, taking part in activities such as making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), making fragrant sachets and performing the traditional bamboo pole dance.

Tables lined with sticky rice, herbal juice and colourful string quickly attracted crowds eager to try their hand at making zongzi. Guided by experienced Zhuang, an ethnic group, women, both Chinese and international students carefully folded bamboo leaves, filled them with rice and tied them with string, proudly displaying their handmade creations. Xu Lifeng, the event organiser, beamed as he held up a tray of colourful zongzi.

"This is so much fun," he said. "We used to make zongzi only in the Changling community. I never thought foreigners would be so good at it - it really shows the universal appeal of our traditional festivals!"

The bamboo pole dance also caught the attention of many international students. Jesca Peter, a student from Tanzania, practised tirelessly with the help of a Zhuang instructor. As she moved rhythmically between the poles, her graceful steps resembled a deer leaping across a stream.

"I've been in China for two years," she said, "but this is my first time experiencing the Ningbo Dragon Boat Festival. It's absolutely amazing!"

The students also learned how to make traditional Ningbo-style lye-water zongzi, characterised by their golden colour and unique flavour. In the spirit of community, they joined local volunteers in delivering freshly steamed dumplings to elderly residents with limited mobility. One recipient, 89-year-old Zhang Xiaoya, accepted the gift with a smile.

"These kids are so thoughtful," she said. "And their Zongzi taste wonderful!"

This heartwarming event not only deepened the students' appreciation for Chinese culture but also fostered meaningful connections between cultures, generations, and communities, embodying the true spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival.