As the Qingming Festival draws near, Xujing Town recently hosted a spring-themed event in collaboration with City News Service (CNS), welcoming participants to partake in traditional activities to commemorate the occasion.
Held at Lidoway on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the event aimed to foster a deeper connection with Qingming customs through an array of cultural experiences. Co-organized by CNS and Qingpu District, attendees were treated to a series of folklore garden activities designed to enrich their appreciation of traditional practices, heritage, and the essence of spring.
Against the backdrop of the Qingming season, participants were invited to engage in a journey of cultural immersion, gaining insight into the historical significance of the festival while savoring the beauty of traditional customs.
The event commenced with a homage to the tea culture of the Song Dynasty, where foreign families, guided by seasoned tea masters, embraced the challenge of preparing tea using ancient utensils. With meticulous care, they skillfully combined fine tea powder and warm water, expertly mastering the art of tea whisking to create a smooth brew adorned with delicate foam, eliciting a sensory delight for all involved.
Henning Hammer, hailing from Germany, shared his enthusiasm, describing the experience as his first profound encounter with Song Dynasty tea tasting since his arrival in China a decade ago. He and his family relished the opportunity and eagerly anticipated further cultural engagements.
Following the tea tasting session, participants indulged in the creation of Tang Dynasty tea desserts, complementing their tea experience with traditional pastries, enriching their understanding of Chinese tea culture.
The event garnered positive feedback from attendees, with Wake Oliver from Austria expressing his delight and advocating for more cultural activities to foster community cohesion and friendship.
This cultural exchange provided foreigners with a firsthand experience of Chinese traditions, serving as a conduit for international cultural dialogue and showcasing the vibrant cultural tapestry and global appeal of Xujing Town.
