On September 17, beneath the glowing moonlight, the essence of traditional Chinese culture came alive in Qingtian County, Lishui, Zhejiang Province. The “Overseas Hometown of China ‘Knot’” Mid-Autumn Festival series of events drew a diverse crowd, including international guests from Ukraine and Brazil, as well as thousands of local visitors, all eager to partake in this enchanting cultural celebration.
As dusk fell, the Green Bay Villa in Qingtian burst into brilliant colors, heralding the start of the Mid-Autumn Festival gala. Many attendees embraced the occasion by wearing traditional Hanfu attire, engaging in age-old practices like archery and arrow throwing. The lively atmosphere was infectious, even inspiring foreign guests to don Hanfu and join in as they journeyed through this cultural experience.
One of the highlights of the Mid-Autumn market was a lacquered fan-making workshop, which captured the interest of many international attendees. Guided by skilled staff, guests mixed paint and crafted their own unique designs on the fans. Sophia from Ukraine expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is my first time making a lacquer fan, and it feels truly magical. Each layer of lacquer requires immense patience and care, allowing me to deeply appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.”
The gala featured a mouthwatering array of Qingtian’s local cuisine, drawing in visitors who savored the dishes while participating in poetry recitations under the moonlight. Guests shared heartfelt wishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival in various languages, enriching the event’s spirit of camaraderie.
Natasha, another attendee from Ukraine, reflected on her unique experience: “Wearing Hanfu, listening to stories about the Mid-Autumn Festival, enjoying traditional mooncakes, and indulging in diverse folk customs made me feel like I was truly living in ancient China.” She emphasized how this experience deepened her understanding of Chinese traditional culture.
The “Overseas Hometown of China ‘Knot’” Mid-Autumn Festival series in Qingtian County included 19 sub-events such as creative cultural exhibitions, educational activities centered around the festival, tea gatherings, and vibrant park festivities. These events not only showcased Qingtian’s rich selection of imported goods but also emphasized its intangible cultural heritage and creative products, blending traditional celebrations with local characteristics.
With a population of 381,000 overseas Chinese spread across 146 countries and regions, Qingtian County is uniquely positioned for cultural exchange on a global scale. In recent years, the county has utilized traditional festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Qixi Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Spring Festival, and Lantern Festival to harness local resources, inviting international friends to experience traditional culture first-hand. This initiative has broadened Qingtian’s global influence and enhanced the international appeal of its rich cultural heritage.
