As the Mid-Autumn Festival nears, Shanghai's Jiading district hosted a cultural event titled "J Moon" for international experts on Sept 8 at Zhouqiao Old Street.
Over 40 expatriates who work in Jiading, from countries including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Singapore, donned hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) along with their families and experienced traditional Chinese culture and festivities during the event.
Expats experience Chinese tie-dyeing. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
A highlight of the event was the demonstration of the traditional Chinese tie-dyeing technique. Participants wrapped glass beads and molds in scarves, dipped them in natural dyes, and unwrapped them to reveal unique, vibrant patterns.
Stemper, an expat teacher in Jiading, likened the process to opening a surprise box, saying, "Before unwrapping it, no one knows what it will look like, which fills you with anticipation." Stemper, who has been in Shanghai for four years, said that she is fond of traditional Chinese culture, and that the event felt like traveling back in time.
Expats try their hands at making mooncakes. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The expats also gathered to make snow skin mooncakes, a staple of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They carefully selected fillings, wrapped them in dough, and pressed them into molds, creating translucent, uniquely shaped treats.
Beate Chen, who has lived in Jiading for 16 years, brought her three children to the event. She shared the legend of Chinese moon goddess Chang'e, an important figure in Mid-Autumn Festival lore, highlighting the mysterious charm of Chinese culture. "The children are very interested, and in the process of making mooncakes, they not only got to taste delicious food, but also experienced Chinese culture, which is very meaningful."
After tie-dyeing and mooncake-making, participants engaged in an ancient tea ceremony, immersing themselves in a world of elegance and grace. The fragrance of tea and misty steam filled the room, creating a poetic ambiance.
Qiu Jun, deputy director of the district's talent work bureau, emphasized the event's goal of bringing expats closer to Chinese culture and deepening their connection with Jiading to enhance their sense of belonging and happiness while promoting cultural exchange and integration.