An expat holds up the zongzi she wrapped herself. [Photo/Daxiao News]

More than a dozen expats from the United States, Germany, France and other countries immersed themselves in Dragon Boat Festival traditions on June 12 in Yantai, celebrating the centuries-old traditional Chinese festival through zongzi-making, cultural talks and festive gatherings.

The event kicked off with an introduction to the festival's historical roots — honoring the ancient poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC) — and its customary practices, including hanging mugwort and wearing fragrant sachets. Guests gained insight into the cultural significance of these traditions, which center on health, remembrance and family unity.

A professional pastry chef then demonstrated the art of making zongzi, the iconic sticky rice dumplings wrapped in reed leaves, explaining regional variations in fillings and flavors. With hands-on guidance, the expats eagerly tried making it themselves. The session sparked lively interactions as participants compared techniques and shared stories of their own holiday traditions back home.

After tasting their freshly made creations, the group enjoyed a film screening together, offering a relaxed setting for deeper cross-cultural conversations.

The event not only allowed foreign residents to experience Chinese culture first-hand but also reflected Yantai's ongoing efforts to build a more welcoming and internationally friendly environment for overseas talent and businesses.