Hey there! Ever wondered what it’s like to dive into one of China’s most colorful festivals? Let’s tag along with Amina, a 22-year-old student from Uzbekistan, as she paddles her way through the exhilarating Dragon Boat Festival in Hangzhou! 🐉🏞️
Amina, who’s been studying Mandarin in China for a year, couldn’t contain her excitement when she got the chance to join a local dragon boat team. “I’ve heard so much about Duanwu Jie (端午节), but experiencing it firsthand is something else!” she exclaimed.
The festival, celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, is all about racing dragon-shaped boats and munching on delicious zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). “Rowing in sync with my teammates was challenging yet thrilling! The energy was infectious,” Amina shared.
But it wasn’t just about the race. “We made zongzi together, and they taught me the traditional way. Mine looked funny, but tasted amazing! 😂” she laughed.
For Amina, the festival was more than just fun and games. “It’s incredible how traditions bring people together. I felt so welcomed and part of the community,” she reflected.
This cross-cultural experience left a lasting impression on her. “I can’t wait to share this with my friends back home. Maybe we can start our own dragon boat race on the Amu Darya river!” she joked.
From making new friends to embracing new traditions, Amina’s Dragon Boat Festival adventure is a reminder of how vibrant and connected our world can be. 🌏🎉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com