Fold the bamboo leaves to the left and right, shape into a conical form, carefully add the filling, gently press down, fold the bamboo leaves together, and finally tie tightly with a string... As summer deepens and the scent of bamboo leaves wafts through the air. At an event organized by the Fenghuang Community on Xijin Street in Ningguo City, Falu from Tajikistan, under the guidance of neighbors, managed to make zongzi that looked just like the real deal.

"I've been living in China for 10 years. I knew about eating zongzi before, but I never had the chance to make them myself until today," Falu said during the event as he fumbled with improving his zongzi-wrapping technique while chatting with neighbors about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival and the customs of eating zongzi and dragon boat racing. "Today, I learned about the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, whose story is particularly touching. I also experienced the atmosphere of traditional Chinese festivals, which I think is wonderful." Falu stated that the "special charm" of Chinese culture has kept him in China, where he has established a happy and fulfilling family life in Ningguo. He is always eager to learn about Chinese culture, which has helped him integrate well into life in China.

This small "zongzi" has connected Falu with his neighbors in profound friendship, built a bridge for cultural exchange, and enhanced foreign friends' understanding and appreciation of excellent traditional Chinese culture.

Source: Ningguo Integrated Media Center