Jesse Guimaraes (C) from Brazil enjoys qingtuan with Chinese residents during the April 1 event in Maluan Subdistrict, Pingshan District. Photos coutesy of the organizers

Local Chinese and expat residents joyfully made qingtuan and savored this sweet treat during a cultural event April 1 in Maluan Subdistrict, Pingshan District. Organized by the Maluan Subdistrict Management and Service Center for Expats and New Era Civilization Practice Center of Maluan Subdistrict, the event was held to mark the upcoming Qingming Festival, which falls on April 4 this year.

Qingtuan, a glutinous rice ball infused with mugwort leaf juice and sweet fillings, is a traditional snack enjoyed around the Qingming Festival in China. During the event, participants not only indulged in making qingtuan but also delved into itsorigins and cultural significance.

Chinese and expats make qingtuan together during the event.

From mixing the dough to kneading it into balls to filling them, the qingtuan-making activity provided an opportunity for both Chinese and foreign friends to experience the allure of traditional Chinese food culture together. It also served as a platform for the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural practices. The expats even recited a Tang Dynasty (618-907) poem about the Qingming Festival in Chinese during the event.

“At first, I tried several times without success. With guidance from other participants, I finally made this beautiful qingtuan,” said a participant from South Korea. A Chinese resident said, “I am delighted to share our traditional festivals and cuisine with friends from around the world. This is a cultural exchange that fosters friendship.”

Mehran Hosseini from Iran mixes dough for qingtuan.

Mehran Hosseini (L) from Iran and Chinese resident Jolin Sheng make qingtuan together.

Jesse Guimaraes from Brazil expressed his praise for the activity, saying, “After my wife participated in an International Women's Day event here, where she made a night light, I found it very interesting. Hence, I eagerly signed up for today's qingtuan-making activity. I'm looking forward to attending more interesting activities and deepening my understanding of traditional Chinese culture."

The event organizers expressed that moving forward, the Maluan Subdistrict Management and Service Center for Expats will continue organizing cultural activities to facilitate deeper understanding and exchanges between Chinese and foreign friends.

A resident from South Korea holds a box of qingtuan, posing for a photo.

Jesse Guimaraes (2nd R) from Brazil holds a box of qingtuan, posing for a photo with Chinese residents.

Umer Azad Khan (R) from Pakistan and Chinese resident Jolin Sheng observe their home countries on a globe during the event.