Expats Delight in Dragon Boat Festival Fun in Shekou

　　On June 5, the “Expats and Locals Dragon Boat Festival Celebration,” hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau, the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), and EyeShenzhen, took place at the Shekou MSCE. Expats and local residents gathered to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, exploring the essence of traditional Chinese culture and crafting their own zongzi.

　　At the beginning of the event, a Shekou MSCE staff member provided information on how expats could seek general advice and support for their stay in China, aiming to offer more open, transparent, and convenient life services for them. The center, which has a foreign-related public legal service team composed of lawyers specializing in various fields, further enriches the services available to foreign talents in Shenzhen.

　　As a newcomer to Shenzhen, Eledir Busanello remains an avid explorer. "I am willing to know more about the insurance and medical services. Shekou MSCE is a nice place for seeking help," Busanello said.

　　Later, more than 20 foreigners experienced traditional Chinese cultural activities amidst the fragrance of zongzi leaves. A mentor from the Shekou Community Evergreen Elders University told the participants that the Dragon Boat Festival is associated with many customs, including eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). After an introduction to the festival's historical significance, the participants took part in making zongzi under the guidance of the mentors.

　　Raj Oswal, a U.S. entrepreneur specializing in educational technology, was happy to attend the event despite his heavy workload. Having participated in the same gathering in 2019, this was Oswal's second time making zongzi. Although he joked about his lack of improvement, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “This has given me a good understanding of how the Chinese celebrate these events, what is important for them, and the food and traditions around it,” Oswal said.

　　Eledir Busanello from Brazil has been in Shenzhen for six months, and she is enjoying her life in the city. “I joined a dragon boat race Sunday, and when I knew about the event for making zongzi, I would love to try,” Busanello said.

　　"I crafted three vegetarian zongzis filled with dates and peanuts, acquiring a new culinary skill. This experience deepened our understanding of Chinese culture."

　　The Dragon Boat Festival ranks among China's four major traditional festivals, standing alongside the Chinese New Year, the Qingming Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditional cultural activities like this, hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau, enable foreign friends in Shenzhen to experience the essence of Chinese culture, build bridges between China and other countries and regions, and help foreign talents in Shenzhen make new acquaintances.