International seafarers pose for a photo. [Photo/Tide News]

A special cultural exchange unfolded in Daidong town, Daishan county in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on May 29.

International seafarers from Russia, Ukraine, and the Philippines joined local residents in a heartwarming celebration of Dragon Boat Festival — immersing themselves in the traditions of the ancient Chinese holiday.

During the event, the guests learned about the custom of wearing herbal sachets to ward off evil and disease — a practice that is steeped in traditional Chinese medicine.

With enthusiasm and curiosity, the seafarers selected fabrics, then filled them with fragrant herbs and sewed their own sachets.

Kucherenko Andrey from Ukraine said that the sachet is beautiful and meaningful. He said he would hang it on his ship as a cherished souvenir from Daishan.

The festive atmosphere continued, as the international guests learned how to make zongzi  — wrapping bamboo leaves around the glutinous rice and fillings before tying them together with string.

Local residents patiently demonstrated every step to the visitors, while the seafarers tried their hands at it, but with mixed results. Francezo Paulus Troy Odon from the Philippines said that it looks easy, but it's really a skill.

It's said that in every handcrafted zongzi lies not just its flavor, but a heartfelt connection across cultures. Daishan county plans to further strengthen these bonds by hosting more cultural exchanges — sharing its unique charm with the world through the eyes of its global guests.