Kaifeng's Urban-Rural Integration Demonstration Zone Hosts Cross-Strait Friendship Exchange Event for Dragon Boat Festival

June 15(Taiwan.cn)—As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, Kaifeng's Urban-Rural Integration Demonstration Zone organized a cross-Strait friendship exchange activity to inherit and promote Chinese traditional culture and deepen emotional bonds between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. On June 10, Lijing Community in Chengxi Subdistrict of the demonstration zone held a themed event titled "Our Festival — Dragon Boat Festival · Warm Neighborhood · Zongzi Sentiments," inviting Taiwan compatriots and their relatives residing in the area, along with community residents, to gather together. Using folk customs as a medium and the fragrance of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) to convey affection, everyone celebrated the traditional festival and renewed bonds of friendship.

Community staff had prepared ingredients and tools in advance, including bamboo leaves, glutinous rice, sweet red dates, and binding strings. The atmosphere at the event was warm and harmonious. Skilled residents volunteered as instructors, demonstrating the complete process of making zongzi — folding the bamboo leaves, filling them with rice and stuffing, pressing and wrapping, and tying them securely. Taiwan compatriots, their relatives, and local residents paired up freely, exchanging techniques while chatting about daily life and discussing Dragon Boat Festival customs. Amid laughter and cheerful conversation, neatly shaped zongzi took shape one after another. The fresh fragrance of bamboo leaves filled the venue, creating a warm and harmonious festive atmosphere everywhere.

This event, based on traditional Dragon Boat Festival folk customs, allowed Taiwan compatriots and their relatives to immerse themselves in the festival's traditions, truly experiencing the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese traditional culture. It also established a platform for regular communication and exchange between compatriots on both sides of the Strait, further bringing neighbors closer and strengthening bonds of friendship. Mr. Zhang, a relative of a Taiwan compatriot who participated in the event, shared his heartfelt feelings: Taiwan also preserves the tradition of eating zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival. A sweet, sticky zongzi, as a shared cultural symbol across the Strait, closely "binds" the hearts of compatriots on both sides together. （Jointly reported by Taiwan.cn and the Taiwan Affairs Office of Kaifeng）