Thirty international students from Shanghai University participated in the opening ceremony of a cultural tourism festival celebrating Dragon-Head-Raising Festival in Chongming district on March 1.

The Dragon-Head-Raising Festival (er yue er) is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the second day of the second month of the traditional Chinese calendar. This year, it falls on March 1. The day marks the start of spring and the coming of rain.

Students gather for a photo at Jiangnan Sanmin Cultural Village in Chongming district where the festival is held

At the opening ceremony, the Shanghai University international students' choir performed the classic song "Tomorrow Will Be Better", captivating the audience.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the signing of the co-construction agreement for the "International Students' Social Practice Base" between the College of International Education and the Chongming Sanmin Cultural and Art Center.

The agreement aims to offer international students a platform to engage with Chinese culture through various activities such as folk culture events, language practice workshops, and training in intangible cultural heritage skills.

The signing ceremony for the "International Students' Social Practice Base"

After the opening ceremony, the students engaged in a variety of folk activities celebrating the Year of the Snake, including dragon and lion dances and Shanghai-style paper-cutting.

In the intangible cultural heritage exhibition area, they were enthralled by traditional Chongming puppet shows and the intricate craftsmanship of homespun cloth weaving and carving techniques.

The folk games experience area provided opportunities for students to participate in pot-throwing competitions and savor traditional sticky rice cakes.

Students pose for a photo

"Witnessing such a vibrant showcase of Chinese culture, especially the traditional music and the vibrant display of handicrafts, was truly exhilarating," said Akbar Hussain, a doctoral student from Pakistan.

"It was a wonderful way to unwind and bond with classmates while delving into the rich history and culture of the region," Hussain added.

Source: SHU College of International Education at "StudyatSHU"