Youth group dives into mooncake-making and Mid-Autumn Festival culture

A group of young people from overseas recently embarked on an enriching cultural adventure at a museum dedicated to traditional Chinese pastry molds in Beijing's Chaoyang District. The event offered them the chance to delve into the rich traditions of mooncake-making and the customs associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Accompanied by a museum staff member, the young participants from more than 20 countries were briefed on the evolving history of traditional pastry molds, retracing their roots to the Han Dynasty some 2,000 years ago and the Tang Dynasty over 1,000 years ago. As they walked through the museum, the group admired the collection of pastry molds adorned with auspicious patterns, marveling at the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind each piece.

According to the event organizer, the district's publicity and culture center, over 30 attendees were involved in this cultural exploration, including some young international students who now study and live in China. They not only examined the intricate details of these ancient artifacts but also attended an engaging session on the folk culture of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The highlight of the event came with a series of hands-on activities. Under expert guidance, the international participants donned gloves and enthusiastically got down to making mooncakes – a symbol of reunion in Chinese culture. Each step of the process, from kneading the dough to wrapping the filling and shaping the cakes, allowed them to pour their own understanding of the concept of "reunion" into their creations.

A representative from Chaoyang District's publicity and culture center explained, "This event served as a bridge, connecting international youth with traditional Chinese culture. Through mooncake-making and other cultural experiences, they've forged a deeper appreciation for the beauty and richness of Chinese traditions."

She added that the event was a concrete step by Chaoyang District to explore ways of spreading Chinese voices through culture, and an event that would leave lasting impression on the group.