Festive cultural gathering held in Guangming for intl. talent

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Xinhu Subdistrict in Guangming District hosted a festive cultural gathering on Sept. 27 to celebrate the holiday with international talent.

The event was designed to promote traditional Chinese culture, strengthen cross-cultural exchanges, and deepen the sense of belonging among global professionals in Guangming Science City. More than 20 participants from countries including Russia, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan joined the celebration, sharing laughter, friendship, and festive cheer.

Participants pose for a group photo during the gathering. Photos courtesy of Xinhu Subdistrict Office

The event was guided by the Foreign Affairs Bureau of Guangming District, organized by Xinhu Subdistrict Office, co-hosted by Shenzhen Guangming Intelligence Operation&Service Co., Ltd., and supported by Shenzhen Guangming Tianan Cloud Park Investment Development Co., Ltd.

With a program combining traditional culture workshops, mooncake making, and a Mid-Autumn garden fair, the event offered participants an immersive journey into Chinese traditions.

Guests dressed in elegant hanfu costumes and learned about the cultural heritage behind the attire, experiencing its timeless aesthetic and elegance. In a tie-dye workshop, participants folded, bound, and dyed fabrics using indigo fermented with microorganisms, discovering the beauty of randomness in both traditional craftsmanship and synthetic biology.

Participants during a tie-dye workshop. 

At the fan-painting and lacquer fan workshop, a retired community cultural expert demonstrated traditional painting and calligraphy. Participants created their own unique flowing patterns on fans, experiencing the artistry and cultural meaning behind every stroke. Smiles of pride lit up the room as everyone admired their handmade creations and exchanged ideas in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The sound of the guzheng filled the venue with classics such as Moonlit Night on the Spring River. Against this musical backdrop, the mooncake-making session drew eager hands-on participation. Under the guidance of a professional pastry chef, guests crafted their own snow-skin mooncakes step by step. Laughter and excitement filled the air as participants proudly held their freshly made treats.

The evening concluded with a lively garden fair, where international talent joined in riddle-solving games, tasted local street snacks, and discovered the traditions of Mid-Autumn through interactive play.

Dr. Daniil Karnaushenko, a Russian associate professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said: “This event exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t just a festival activity, but a cultural journey that allowed me to move from ‘hearing about Mid-Autumn’ to truly ‘experiencing Mid-Autumn.’ It also made me love this inclusive and welcoming place even more.”

By blending festive traditions with cross-cultural engagement, the event not only offered international talent a window into Chinese culture but also strengthened their ties to Guangming Science City.

Moving forward, Xinhu Subdistrict Office said they will host more diverse cultural exchange activities to enhance the sense of belonging and fulfillment among global professionals living and working in the area.