As the fragrance of zongzi leaves filled the air and the charm of ancient traditions came alive, a vibrant international celebration took place on May 28 in the historic Baihuazhou Cultural Block of Jinan. The event, titled "Feel the Dragon Boat Festival, Embrace Intangible Heritage – An International Cultural Experience Day", gathered representatives from Jinan and international students living in the city. Together, they embarked on a festive journey that transcended cultural boundaries, experiencing the rich traditions of a Chinese festival while embracing the openness and inclusivity of the City of Springs.

The event began with a cultural walk starting from Baihuazhou North Square. Participants visited Simin Street's intangible cultural heritage workshop, the Dabin Residence Folk Museum, creative cultural shops along Baihuazhou Street, local markets, and the Traditional Crafts Station. Each stop offered a window into the profound cultural legacy of Jinan's old city. With vivid narration from local guides, guests explored the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines the area.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the hands-on experience segment, “Festival Touching”, where participants engaged in traditional bamboo weaving—a craft rich with symbolic meaning during the Dragon Boat Festival. Bamboo has long been a part of festival customs: ancient people used bamboo tubes to steam rice dumplings, and intricately woven bamboo boats with mugwort were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings. Its strong and upright nature also echoes the noble character of Qu Yuan, the revered poet commemorated during the festival. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, Chinese and international guests alike wove bamboo strips into beautiful artwork that conveyed well-wishes such as “rising steadily in life” and “peace and prosperity.” As a thoughtful gesture, participants were also gifted mugwort wellness hammers, infusing every detail of the event with blessings of health and protection.

The event concluded with a group photo, where participants proudly held their handmade bamboo art. More than just a festive celebration, the activity provided an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture for Jinan’s international community. It also served as a cultural bridge, fostering mutual appreciation and exchange, and further advancing the “Touching Jinan” initiative for people-to-people diplomacy. Looking ahead, Jinan's ancient city will continue to draw upon its rich cultural heritage to host more diverse and engaging events—sharing the brilliance of Chinese tradition and the unique charm of the City of Springs with the world.