Chongqing - In the vibrant and lively month of March, young individuals from across the world converged in Yubei, Chongqing, to immerse themselves in the Laowai@Chongqing Perception of Yubei for International Youth Longtaitou Festival. 

This event took place from March 9 to 10 at the historic Longxing Ancient Town. It drew the participation of 19 international youths from 13 diverse nations, including Russia, France, Brazil, Chile, Yemen, Morocco, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It gave them a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of China's traditional culture and folkloric allure.

From March 9 to 10, the Laowai@Chongqing Perception of Yubei for International Youth Longtaitou Festival was held in Longxing Ancient Town. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The festival was orchestrated by the Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee in collaboration with the Communications Department of the CPC Yubei District Committee, the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, and the Western China International Communication Organization. Chongqing University's International Office and Longxing Town's administrative departments also lent valuable support.

Global youths experienced the intangible cultural heritage of dragon dancing. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The Longtaitou (literally dragon raising its head) Festival, a revered Chinese tradition held on the second day of the second lunar month, symbolizes the dragon's ascent, reflecting its role as a rain deity vital to ancient agricultural practices. This festival celebrates nature's resurgence and fortune, resonating deeply with Chongqing's culture and spirit. Longxing Ancient Town, a repository of cultural wealth and historical significance, provided the perfect backdrop for the festivities.

Getting a haircut during the Longtaitou Festival is believed to bring good luck. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

Throughout the event, international youths engaged in a plethora of symbolic traditions, such as dragon dancing, receiving symbolic haircuts and partaking in a dragon-themed feast, where dishes were crafted to embody dragon motifs. These experiences allowed them to savor Chinese culture's distinct allure and deepened their appreciation for the Chinese people's veneration of dragons.

As a special part, the paper-cutting workshop at Jian'ai Art offered an intimate encounter with this intangible cultural heritage, showcasing its visual and sensory appeal. Participants learned about Jian'ai Art's dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities and its support for hemophilia patients, embodying a commitment to spreading love and fostering humanitarian values.

International youths experienced dragon-themed paper-cutting at Jian'ai Art. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The event also featured experiences of sugar painting, dough figurine crafting, and palm weaving, enabling participants to explore the intricacies and depth of traditional Chinese art forms. Accompanied by Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) wearing and dragon-themed explorations, these activities allowed attendees to traverse dragon-named streets and admire dragon sculptures, enriching their experience with a deep dive into the locale's historical and cultural essence.

International youths experienced the intangible cultural heritage of palm weaving. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

This gathering offered international youths a profound platform to explore and experience Chinese cultural traditions, showcasing Chongqing's and China's endearing charm and hospitality to the global community. Such cultural exchanges are pivotal in enhancing global understanding of China and promoting cultural diversity and respect. Chen Can, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation, hoped that these initiatives would broaden international awareness of China's rich festival culture, nurturing cross-cultural understanding and camaraderie among global youth.