Visitors pose for a photo at Ningbo's cultural booth. [Photo/Yongpai App]

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival traditions traveled overseas on June 13 as Ningbo's cultural booth made its debut at the 2026 Dragon Boat Culture Festival and China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race in Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka.

The event attracted more than 1,000 residents, overseas Chinese, and international guests. Alongside thrilling dragon boat races and cultural performances, the Ningbo cultural booth became one of the festival's most popular attractions.

The booth featured a variety of cultural items, reflecting Ningbo's rich heritage, including traditional paper-cutting artworks, decorative drum lanterns, shadow-puppet handicrafts, city-themed souvenirs, and creative cultural products.

Interactive experiences proved especially popular. Local families eagerly participated in hands-on workshops on traditional bamboo weaving and Dragon Boat Festival sachet making. For many Sri Lankan participants, it was their first encounter with these Chinese folk crafts. As they made their own bamboo wind chimes and fragrant sachets, they also learned about traditional festival customs.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong visited the booth and praised Ningbo's innovative approach to cultural exchange. Organizers said the compact cultural station serves as a bridge connecting people across cultures and will continue to expand its presence in Sri Lanka, promoting lasting people-to-people exchanges and deeper mutual understanding.

International visitors show interest in Ningbo cultural products. [Photo/Yongpai App]