International sailors from countries such as Ukraine, South Korea and the Philippines experienced Chinese culture up close during a Dragon Boat Festival exchange event in Zhoushan's Dinghai district on June 12.

Participants tried their hands at making zongzi, traditional sachets and paper-cut artworks inspired by local marine culture. Many quickly joined the classic sweet-versus-savory zongzi debate, with several sailors favoring sweet rice dumplings filled with red dates.

"Dragon Boat Festival is so lively. I want to share this experience with my colleagues," said Ukrainian sailor Jason, proudly showing off his first homemade zongzi.

Filipino sailor Vladimir gave a thumbs-up after tasting a sweet zongzi dipped in sugar, praising the natural fragrance of the bamboo leaves.

The sailors also learned about the tradition of carrying sachets filled with herbs such as mugwort and calamus, symbols of health and good fortune during the festival. At the paper-cutting workshop, participants created artworks featuring elements of Zhoushan's maritime culture.

The event is part of Dinghai's ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchanges, helping share Zhoushan's stories and traditional Chinese culture with sailors from around the world.

International sailors learn to make traditional zongzi during a Dragon Boat Festival cultural exchange event in Zhoushan's Dinghai district on June 12. [Photo/Tide News]