International Students Immerse Themselves in Dragon Boat Festival Culture in Jiujiang

Jiujiang, June 24 — The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Jie, came alive with vibrant cultural exchanges as international students from Jiujiang University joined local residents in celebrating one of China's most cherished traditions at the Wenbo Island event in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province.

The "Joyful Jiujiang GO -- Dragon Boat Festival at Wenbo Island" event, held from June 19 to 21, offered international students a unique opportunity to experience the festival's rich cultural heritage firsthand. Activities included immersive poetry readings, hands-on craft workshops, museum tours, and a sunset concert, blending tradition with modernity .

For many students, the celebration was not only an introduction to Chinese culture but also an opportunity to draw parallels with their own cultural traditions. Da Vanlita, a Cambodian student at Jiujiang University, participated in making scented sachets and paper dragon boats. "Cambodia also has traditional festivals with similar cultural significance," she shared. "Participating in these activities allowed me to truly feel the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture" .

The festival's traditions, such as making zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings) and crafting fragrant sachets, resonated deeply with students from diverse backgrounds. Chiedza Mbalenhe Nicole Gwatinvanya from Zimbabwe noted similarities with community festivals in her home country, where people gather to celebrate culture, history, and music. "Both celebrations emphasize cultural pride, unity, and the importance of passing traditions from one generation to the next," she reflected.

Oshabinu Bashirat Abiola from Nigeria highlighted the universal values embedded in such celebrations. "As someone from Nigeria, it reminded me of how festivals back home also bring people together through food, family, and community," she said. "While cultures may differ, the emotions and connections they create are deeply universal."

The event featured a range of traditional activities that captivated participants. Students crafted miniature dragon boats, wove colorful blessing bracelets, and created fragrant sachets — all activities that symbolize good luck and health. Lim Sovannarith from Cambodia expressed how the hands-on experience transformed his understanding of the festival. "Before this experience, my understanding of the Dragon Boat Festival mainly came from textbooks and classroom lessons, so it felt like something distant and unfamiliar. However, participating in today's celebration allowed me to truly feel the history, emotions, and cultural values behind this festival."

The Dragon Boat Festival, observed on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan, known for his patriotism and literary contributions. Traditions include eating zongzi, racing dragon boats, and hanging herbs to ward off evil spirits.

Seidu Musah from Ghana described the day as transformative. "What I read about for years finally became something I could see, touch, and feel. That made all the difference," he said. His sentiment echoed that of many international students who left the event with handmade crafts, dyed hands, and a heart full of gratitude.

The event also provided a platform for students to reflect on cultural preservation in their own countries. Romeo Tia Dehi from Côte d'Ivoire observed that "although their origins and practices are different, these celebrations share a common purpose: they bring communities together, preserve traditions, and contribute to the transmission of cultural heritage."

During the three-day holiday, Wenbo Island attracted over 30,000 visitors, with nearly 25,000 entering the Jiujiang Museum alone. The museum's "Duanwu·Xunyang Song" immersive poetry performance and craft experience areas were particularly popular, drawing crowds of locals and international visitors alike.

The cultural exchange served as a reminder of the shared human values that bind communities across the globe. As one student from Cambodia noted, "These festivals are important cultural events that strengthen social bonds, preserve national heritage, and promote respect for historical traditions. Although their origins and religious meanings differ, all three festivals reflect the values of remembrance, community unity, and cultural identity."