To deepen cultural exchanges between China and the United Kingdom and to promote the fine traditional Chinese culture, the Labour Union of QMES held a cultural event themed “Dragon Boat Festival: Cultural Charm and Craftsmanship” on 30 May in Room A405, East Teaching Building. Dai Fuping, Secretary of the QMES Party Committee, extended festive greetings to all staff members and joined Chinese and British colleagues in a hands-on experience of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

The venue was filled with the refreshing scent of mugwort, with Dragon Boat Festival-themed decorations hanging from the corridors. On the long tables were neatly arranged traditional items such as pastries, zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), sachets, and mugwort sprigs.

Under the guidance of an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, participants experienced the traditional techniques of kneading, shaping, moulding, and baking, creating Su-style pastries in various forms, each carrying auspicious meanings.

After the event, participants remarked that the immersive cultural experience had enriched their spiritual and cultural life while deepening their understanding of fine traditional Chinese culture. It not only enabled them to appreciate the craftsmanship and wisdom embodied in Chinese culinary traditions but also allowed them to feel the warmth of traditional culture and strengthened their cultural confidence.

The event combined demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage techniques with hands-on practice, bringing static cultural heritage to life and making profound cultural traditions more accessible and engaging. It not only enhanced communication and interaction among staff members but also fostered a rich atmosphere of traditional culture across the QMES.

Text: Wu Ajing and Zhang Lina

Photo: Li Ruochen

Video: Luo Haokun

Editors: Zhang Yuchen and Chen Xinyan

Translator: Fang Jie

Reviewer: Dai Fuping