Making Mooncakes and Enjoying Scenic Countryside: Foreign Friends Immerse Themselves in Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival Culture in Fushan

YANTAI, China, Sept. 12, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

On Sept. 9, “China in Festivals” – a Mid-Autumn-themed activity for foreign friends took place in Dukou Village, Fushan District, hosted by Aidu Agriculture. Eight international students from Pakistan studying at Binzhou Medical University wandered through the quaint and beautiful village, where they made and tasted mooncakes, admired the night scenery, and experienced the unique charm of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese rural life.

Event Scene

In the snowy mooncake-making area, foreign friends sat around a long table, attentively listening to the pastry chef explain the mooncake-making process. Following the chef’s guidance, they flattened the dough and carefully wrapped their favorite fillings inside, skillfully using molds to create various exquisite shapes. Although their techniques were somewhat clumsy, everyone wore joyful smiles on their faces. Once the beautifully shaped snowy mooncakes were ready, the foreign friends eagerly tasted the mooncakes they had made themselves.

“We made snowy mooncakes with egg yolk and red bean fillings today, and we also tasted mooncakes with perilla filling. This is my first time trying a mooncake with perilla filling, and it tastes really good,” said Aym from Pakistan, giving a thumbs-up after tasting the mooncake.

Event Scene

As night fell, the foreign friends strolled in pairs through the ancient village, took photos at picturesque spots that showcased local characteristics, and enjoyed the gentle breeze and tranquility. The red lanterns in the village cast a warm glow, illuminating the streets and alleys and adding a festive touch to the night. “Today, I saw scenery in the village completely different from my country and I felt the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture. The night view here is really beautiful,” said Hamad.

This immersive experience allowed foreign friends to deeply appreciate the festive charm of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the vibrant new landscape of rural revitalization in Fushan District. They all expressed that after returning home, they would share the beauty of Fushan with more friends, helping more foreign visitors understand and fall in love with Fushan.