International artists craft ceramic dragon boats during a Dragon Boat Festival cultural exchange event in Guanlan, Longhua District, in June.

Artists from six countries came together in Guanlan, Longhua District, ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival to experience Chinese intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the area's ongoing efforts to build an internationally friendly community through cultural exchange.

Held at the Mission Hills Craft Workshop, the event was part of the Guanlan International Community initiatives and carried the theme "Crafting Traditions, Connecting Cultures." It brought together six resident artists from the Guanlan Original Printmaking Base representing Germany, Denmark, Iceland, the United States, Russia and Chile.

Participants explored two signature Dragon Boat Festival traditions through hands-on workshops: crafting ceramic dragon boats and making zongzi, the traditional glutinous rice dumplings enjoyed during the festival.

Heritage instructors first introduced the history of the Dragon Boat Festival and the origins of dragon boat racing before guiding the artists in creating miniature ceramic dragon boats. As they molded clay and added decorative details, participants incorporated their own artistic interpretations of one of China's best-known cultural symbols.

The artists also learned to wrap zongzi under the guidance of professional pastry chefs, folding bamboo leaves, filling them with glutinous rice and tying each dumpling by hand. For many, it was their first time making the festive delicacy. Proud of their creations, many immediately took photos to share with family and friends back home.

The event reflects Guanlan's broader efforts to foster an internationally welcoming community by creating opportunities for overseas residents and artists to experience local traditions firsthand. Leveraging the international presence of the Guanlan Original Printmaking Base, the area regularly organizes cultural and community activities that encourage dialogue through shared experiences rather than language alone.