A vibrant celebration of cultural diversity recently unfolded in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, where Chinese residents and expats came together for an immersive experience of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The \”Neighborhood Festival\” invited international friends to participate in a series of hands-on activities that showcased the rich tapestry of Chinese traditions.
Attendees from various countries donned traditional Chinese attire, including the elegant qipao and hanfu, and adorned themselves with zanhua, delicate floral hairpins. They tried their hand at traditional crafts like paper-cutting and dough sculpting, gaining firsthand insight into the exquisite craftsmanship behind these art forms.
The festival featured performances by nine master artisans, who demonstrated skills such as a Song Dynasty-style tea ceremony, Qing Dynasty-style clay sculpting, and jade carving from the ancient Liangzhu culture, dating back over 4,000 years. These showcases offered a window into China’s rich historical heritage.
Visitors also explored traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at several stalls, consulting with practitioners for pulse diagnoses and tongue inspections, and learning about holistic wellness practices.
A bustling market added to the festive atmosphere, where guests savored international cuisines from countries like Argentina, Egypt, the Maldives, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Alongside the culinary delights, unique cultural and creative products from these nations were displayed, alongside offerings from renowned local brands.
This fusion of cultures provided both Chinese and expat residents with a comprehensive \”culture plus shopping\” experience, allowing them to appreciate global multiculturalism in everyday life. \”We hope to continue promoting the construction of an international community through this type of neighborhood festival,\” said Li Nan, a local official.
