Hands-on experience of Mid-Autumn traditions at embassy’s open day

Zheng (centre, in suit) with students and participants at the embassy’s open day in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

SOME 80 students from four Malaysian institutions were introduced to Chinese culture during the Chinese Embassy of Malaysia’s Open Day, held in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The students, from Management and Science University and Kuen Cheng High School, along with those from Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology and HELP University, spent the afternoon experiencing traditional crafts, games and festive food.

The embassy’s charge d’affaires Zheng Xuefang welcomed the group and highlighted the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, describing it as one of China’s most important celebrations.

Participants making bookmarks using the float-paint technique.

“This is a festival of family reunion. On this day, Chinese people will return home to be with their families, enjoy mooncakes and appreciate the full moon.

“In Malaysia, the festival has developed unique local characteristics, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness,” he said.

Students learning about traditional Chinese medicine at the herbal fragrance sachet workshop.

Zheng added that the festival symbolised unity, beauty and good fortune.

It also served as a reminder of the shared values between China and Malaysia.

He noted that China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with cooperation extending to major infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link.

“Young people are the future of China-Malaysia relations,” said Zheng, who also urged the students to carry forward the friendship between both countries.

The open day began with a tour of the embassy at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Students dressed in traditional ‘hanfu’ taking part in the pitch-pot game.

The students then took part in a group photo session and a series of workshops that gave them a hands-on experience of Chinese traditions.

Activities included making snow skin mooncakes, crafting Chinese knots, creating herbal fragrance sachets, painting bookmarks using the float-paint technique and trying a traditional pitch-pot game.

Many also dressed in traditional hanfu attire specially prepared for the occasion.

The students were also treated to a tea session featuring traditional snacks such as dumplings, chicken lobak, sesame balls and egg tarts.