Zhenru Subdistrict hosted a cultural exchange event for German students to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival, where over 30 members of an exchange group from Überlingen High School in Germany immersed themselves in the diverse charms of Chinese culture.
"I'd only heard of sachets before, but making one myself today felt truly meaningful," said Hedda, a German student. Under the guidance of an instructor, she crushed herbs and filled them into a specially crafted pouch to carry with her, a tradition believed to ward off evil and attract blessings. "I added some lemon-scented spices, and it smells like summer."
The creation of panda-patterned lacquered fans also captivated the students. "The process was so much fun," remarked Aniko. "I could mix colors based on my preferences, and the fan is practical too—perfect for summer breezes."
The event featured multiple cultural experience zones, alongside displays of traditional attire and intangible cultural heritage works: wheat straw paintings showcasing intricate craftsmanship, Su embroidery with delicate silk patterns, and Zhu-style rope art weaving traditional aesthetics.
Before the activities began, the German students visited the Shanghai Digital Advertising Park, where interactive AI screens and facial recognition installations gave them a firsthand look at how technology empowers creativity.