At the festival, there were a lot of interesting things going on, but most importantly, the different stands about Chinese culture in general stood out the most. With more than 30 stands with different aspects of Chinese culture, it was full of bliss and content. The stands varied from hanzi writing, to dressing up in traditional Chinese robes. There were performances from many different groups and organizations from the DMV area, along with a representative from China that came to oversee the festival.
One thing that caught most people’s attention was the food stalls. The food stalls stretched for an entire street, with delicacies for all cravings. There were food stalls that sold boba, there were food stalls that sold fried street food, and there were even stalls that sold bowls of noodles. One of the most notable food stalls was the food stall representing Peter Chang’s, a very popular restaurant chain in the DMV area. Aside from foods that fill you up, there was also a dessert section, selling mocha donuts and traditional Chinese pastries.
The mascot for the festival was a pretty obvious choice, being the panda. Everywhere you looked, there was always a panda, whether it be on a banner, a shirt, and even a panda costume. One way that the host of the festival decided to keep people entertained is bringing stuffed pandas into the mix. By using a lottery system, pandas would be given out to random people every 30 minutes. Besides this lottery system, there were also QR codes everywhere, and scanning all of them allowed you to enter the lottery for pandas.
The festival had started early in the morning, with volunteers bringing in the necessary supplies for each stall. The streets were packed with volunteers hauling around materials and props. To prepare for the festival, we had to set up a tent, along with a banner that represented our stalls’s focus. And when the festival finally ended, we had to put all of our materials back, and clean up after ourselves. The festival was a perfect representation of people coming together to build something great.
I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the 21st Washington D.C. Chinese Cultural Festival, and it was an unforgettable experience! As a 9-year-old volunteer, I had various responsibilities, including helping to sell commemorative items and trying my hand at Chinese calligraphy.Because I had taken some Chinese calligraphy class at Chinese hope school. I even had the chance to meet the Ambassador of China and his wife, who were incredibly friendly. They pursued stuffed panda from our booth! !
The performances at the festival were truly amazing. I saw the elegance of qipao dance and martial arts displays, and the singing and dancing. These performances allowed me to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture even more.
Although I couldn’t watch all the shows and couldn’t eat a lot of food, because of my volunteer duties, I did participate in the raffle draw. Guess what? I won a fluffy giant panda plush toy, which I absolutely adore! It was a stroke of luck that made my day. My Mom also bought me a delicious chocolate milk shake, it was so yummy！
The entire cultural festival was a massive success, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike. The presence of the Chinese Ambassador and local dignitaries added prestige to the event, and even President Biden sent his congratulations. Media outlets were eager to cover the festivities, with Oriental TV broadcasting the entire event live.
This cultural festival deepened my interest in Chinese culture. I hope to participate in similar events in the future to continue learning and experiencing the wonderful aspects of China.
Thank you Chinese hope school for letting me be a part of this special occasion!
September 2, 2023 was a special day for me. Our "Zaidao" website bamboo pole dance group participated in the Chinese Culture Festival.
On that day, in order to take the earliest pictures of the event, my mother and I arrived at the event at 9:30. Looking at the busy scene of each event booth, a strong Chinese flavor hit our faces instantly. It was the first time to see so many familiar people together. Although none of them knew each other, it was so exciting to see so many Chinese people at the same time and place in a foreign country! The bamboo pole dance team has already started setting up props and is ready.
In addition to participating in the bamboo pole dance performance today, I also have to be a young reporter from the Firefly Club of the US-China Experimental Chinese School to cover the performance of the bamboo pole dance troupe and the costume painting. It is a glorious task that I must complete between performances. My mother said that I have a heavy responsibility! The festival is about to begin, and the long passage in front of the broad Capitol Hill is filled with people. Many people are dressed in costumes and gathered in front of various booths. There are food, drinks, and various items representing Chinese cultural elements.
The bamboo pole dance is about to begin. With the sound of gongs, drums and music, we started the first round of performances. When the bamboo poles were knocked, we danced. This traditional and unique dance immediately attracted bursts of applause. Everyone was so happy and attracted by the sound of music. After the first round of performances, we were very excited about our performance. After the second round, more people gathered around us. We performed over and over again and it got even better each time. The audience couldn't help but move to the beat of the music. Because the audience was so enthusiastic, we invited them to dance together. Everyone joined in and the enthusiasm was high. The rhythm of the bamboo poles changed from slow to fast. The enthusiastic participation of the people made our bamboo pole dance become even more popular. More and more people danced with us. Some people were not satisfied with one round of dancing, so they danced another round. Everyone's enthusiasm is as hot as today's weather.
I took a break from the bamboo pole dance to interview about ancient painting. Listening to the face painting teacher's introduction, I remembered that the first time I got face painted was when I went to Disneyland in Los Angeles when I was five years old. I painted my face and couldn't bear to wash it off at night.
Bamboo pole dance has a long history. It is a dance of the She ethnic group with a cheerful rhythm. From the preparation of bamboo poles, gongs and drums and other props to rehearsal, the "Zai Dao" website perfectly presented a unique dance at the Chinese Culture Festival in a short period of time. In addition to cultural and artistic programs, the cultural festival also has a variety of food, national costumes, handicrafts, etc., which was really exciting. This Chinese Culture Festival allowed me to experience the charm of Chinese culture firsthand!
I went to China with my Mom in the summer, but I had no idea that my journey would turn into a culinary adventure. When I arrived at Shanghai Pudong international airport, I was so hungry. I couldn’t wait to try the different flavors of Chinese foods. I had the luxury to travel to a few cities during this trip. Some of the taste is stuck in my head many months later after I came back.
In my mom’s hometown, Yangzhou, there are a lot of delicious foods. I ate crawfish for the first time. Later, I learned that they are actually very popular everywhere in China. Crawfish look like a smaller version of lobster. However, they live in freshwater and not in saltwater. A lot of Chinese people like crawfish. There are different flavors of crawfish such as numb & spicy and garlic. The numb and spicy flavored crawfish were especially tasty. When I was in the restaurant, they gave us plastic gloves that are used to keep your hands clean. Wearing the gloves, I peeled the shell and ate the meaty tail. My relatives at the table were very kind to me, and I managed to devour almost half of the dish by myself. You can’t blame me, that was my first time eating crawfish.
In June, it's the waxberry season. These wax berries, also known as yang mei (杨梅), flourished in Hangzhou and Wuxi. They were red and plump, about the size of a ping pong ball. At, I assumed they grew in Yangzhou(扬州), but then my mom told me that the "Yang" (扬) in Yangzhou isn’t the same as the "yang"(杨) in yang mei. During our visit to Wuxi, wax berries seemed to cover every mountain, with merchants selling boxes of them at the mountain's base. After trying a waxberry, I was surprised to find it didn't taste waxy at all! Instead, they were sweet and juicy, with a unique texture. I also tried their yang mei juice, which provided refreshing relief from the hot summer in China.
In Shanghai, we explored a charming, ancient-style town with brick roads and bustling streets. The town was filled with numerous street vendors, offering a wide array of mouth watering treats. During our visit, I had the pleasure of dining at an authentic restaurant called “南翔小笼包” (Nanxiang Xiaolongbao). At this restaurant, I ate the xiao long bao, which are small steamed dumplings filled with savory broth and flavorful ingredients. Each bite was a hot burst of flavor as the broth seeped out, hugging my taste buds. To make it taste better, I dipped these delicious dumplings into vinegar, adding a contrast of flavors that made them even yummier.
In the capital, Beijing, I enjoyed Peking duck almost every single day. The duck had tender meat that I could wrap in dough with sauce, cucumber, and scallion. You could also take the crispy duck skin and dip it into sugar. Surprisingly, it tasted quite good. I also tried tang hulu from a street vendor. The crunchy syrup and crispy rice paper turned the sour hawthorn berries into a sweet, candy-like flavor.
When my mom and I visited Nanjing, we explored a bustling tourist attraction called “夫子庙” with our relatives. The place was swarming with tourists. After we managed to escape the crowds, we headed to a restaurant called the “Qinhuai Snack Museum,” a lovely restaurant, located on the banks of the Qinhuai River. There, we ordered a dish that consisted of 16 small snacks, including duck blood soup. While duck blood might seem exotic to someone in America, in China, it's just an ordinary dish. Duck blood has a texture similar to tofu but has a more complex flavor that left me craving for more.
As I traveled from city to city, I tried all kinds of signature local foods. From the canals of Yangzhou to the Forbidden City of Beijing, from the bustling streets of Shanghai to the historical grounds of Nanjing, the food allowed me to taste the tradition and culture of China. Throughout my travels, I realized that China's rich culinary culture was as diverse as its landscapes, and I enjoyed every moment of this flavorful adventure.
In the bustling streets of Rio Washingtonian Center, where the fusion of ancient traditions and modern lifestyles creates a vibrant tapestry, there existed a bubble tea shop named "Kung Fu Tea." It wasn't just any tea shop; it was a haven where Chinese culture and the pursuit of healthy living - Movement seamlessly converged.
Kung Fu Tea was adorned with traditional Chinese decor, invoking a sense of calm and balance. The walls were decorated with calligraphy scrolls bearing the wisdom of ancient philosophers, and the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air.
It was believed that the therapeutic properties of tea were not just as a beverage but as a holistic experience. The bubble tea creations were not only delicious but carefully crafted to incorporate herbs known for their calming effects. Chrysanthemum and lavender-infused teas were popular choices, celebrated for their ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
One day, a young girl entered Kung Fu Tea, her shoulders weighed down by the burdens of study and city life. She ordered a traditional oolong tea with a hint of lotus flower essence, hoping for a moment of respite in her hectic day.
As she sipped her tea, the subtle flavors danced on her palate, and the calming aroma enveloped her senses. To her, Tea is not just a drink; it's a journey to serenity.
Her mom introduced her to the concept of healthy living, not just through tea but also through simple practices like meditation and mindful breathing. She explained how these practices, deeply rooted in Chinese traditions, could alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany modern life.
Inspired by her mom’s wisdom, This young girl became a regular at Kung fu tea. She embraced the holistic approach to well-being, savoring not just the tea but the entire experience. As she delved into the world of Chinese culture and healthy living, She found herself better equipped to navigate the challenges of her daily life.
Word spread about Kung Fu Tea and its transformative influence on the well-being of its patrons. The tea shop became a sanctuary for those seeking a reprieve from the chaos of the outside world. The calmness and various kinds of flavors resonated with people, and bubble tea creations became synonymous with a path to tranquility.
In a city where the pace of life seemed relentless, Kung Fu Tea stood as a testament to the profound connection between Chinese culture, healthy living, and the reduction of stress and anxiety. It wasn't just a tea shop; it was a refuge where people could sip on serenity, one bubble tea at a time. And yes. This young girl is me.
It was a bright and sunny Saturday on the 2nd of September, 2023, and it was also the day of the 21st Washington Chinese Cultural Festival. Pennsylvania Avenue on the Capitol Hill of Washington DC was filled with an enormous crowd, singing and dancing to feel the Chinese culture, and included many food selections. Since the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and the United States in 1999, the Washington Chinese Cultural Festival has risen in popularity. This year was the largest Chinese-themed offline gathering in the United States since COVID. This is the first time that a main road has been specially assigned to hold the event. President Biden, the mayor of DC, and numerous others sent congratulatory messages. Then the new ambassador Xie Feng delivered an inspiring speech. This event was completely funded and hosted by various non-governmental organizations in Washington, including the American Chinese School I attend.
I have long heard from my parents that there are many talented people in Washington, and the Chinese are enthusiastic and unrestrained. They have also been volunteering at Chinese schools and organizing various activities like other parents. Today I felt the colorful cultural atmosphere at the festival. Of course, the most popular cultural immersion experience in the audience is the most dazzling ethnic style created by our bamboo sticks. On behalf of the Zaidao Little Journalists Group, we formed a special dance team: the Bamboo Dance Group, where we performed a bamboo pole dance with unique characteristics.
Under the patient guidance of Teacher Li and Teacher Jin, we studied and rehearsed for a whole summer, and finally performed for everyone at the cultural festival. The girls were wearing colorful little skirts, and we were all wearing THEZ.US t-shirts, with our hands and feet We all wore little jingling bells, and we performed three times in the morning, noon, and afternoon. I also played clarinet during the parade, and the girls danced in circles to the music. I am very happy that everyone liked our performance. After we finished performing, I continued to follow the music to wave the bamboo sticks. The girls led the audience to dance together and we watched them dance happily.
Although I was already very hot, sweating a lot and still a little hungry, My mind was still excited and happy. I thoroughly enjoyed the 5+ hours I was out there performing. More people should understand and experience Chinese culture, feel its beauty, and spread it around the world. I will continue to work hard to learn Chinese, and I hope to have more opportunities to travel to China and even around the world to understand this diverse world culture.
This year was my first time attending the Chinese Culture Festival, and one of my few times getting to enjoy Chinese culture. I started learning Chinese in high school, as my middle school did not offer it. Classes were more than language, we learned the history of China, the beliefs of Confucianism, and personal experiences of people living in China. After my freshman year, my teacher began encouraging us to attend cultural events. This summer I was invited to the Chinese Culture Festival. While I had learned mainly about China’s past, this was my first time experiencing the present. Firstly, I noticed the generations of people involved in the festival. Grandparents and parents watched their children perform, families ran food and gift stands, and taught kids to handle money. What stuck most with me was when writing my Chinese name in ink, a kid came up to me. He asked me if I had learned Chinese, as my handwriting was, in his words, “pretty good”. After telling him that I was learning, The boy started to tell me how the woman running the stand was his mentor, and he was learning Chinese cursive. When he had finished his explanation he left, and I looked to my side. Another man was writing his Chinese name and talking to the boy’s mentor, the lady running the stand. The man was explaining how he was never able to learn Chinese as a child and wanted to learn. The woman then told him how many of her students were adults, wanting to learn the language of their relatives. The Chinese Culture Festival is an amazing thing, allowing generations to connect fully. I hope to go again next year and bring others so that they can see the togetherness that this festival brings.
As a city dweller with a love for exploring different movements, I couldn't resist the allure of participating in the Bamboo Dance. The rhythmic beats, the intertwining bamboo poles, and the vibrant energy of the dance promised an experience like no other. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to discover not only the beauty of the dance but also the strength within myself.
With patience and enthusiasm through practice, the coach guided us through the intricacies of the Bamboo Dance. She spoke of the dance's historical roots, its significance in promoting unity, and the meditative quality that arose from its rhythmic patterns. As we practiced the steps, I marveled at how the bamboo poles became an extension of our collective movements—a tangible expression of harmony. Engaging in the Bamboo Dance not only provides a cardiovascular workout but also enhances flexibility, coordination, and balance. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of the dance induces a meditative state, promoting mindfulness and stress reduction. As I move in harmony with the bamboo poles and the music, a sense of joy and accomplishment arises, contributing to positive mental health.
The day of the festival arrived, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the audience, a mix of locals and tourists, eagerly awaited the showcase of this cultural fusion.
As the music began, I felt a surge of energy and nerves. The bamboo poles clicked together in a rhythmic dance, and our team moved in harmony. At that moment, surrounded by the sound of bamboo and the cheers of the audience, I experienced a profound connection to the dance and to the people around me.
Unexpectedly, the Bamboo Dance became a mirror reflecting my personal journey. The adaptability required to navigate the bamboo poles echoed the adaptability needed in the diverse tapestry of city life. Each step I took, each twirl around the bamboo, became a metaphor for embracing the challenges and joys of my own life. Through the dance, I discovered a sense of community that transcended cultural boundaries. The bamboo, once just a prop, became a symbol of resilience and unity. The Bamboo Dance holds immense cultural significance, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and the cyclical nature of life. Historically, it has been performed during agricultural festivals, marking the changing seasons and celebrating the harvest. As communities gather to participate or watch this dance, it fosters a sense of togetherness and shared identity. The dance not only connected me to a beautiful tradition but also reminded me of the strength that comes from embracing diversity and navigating life's intricate patterns with grace.
In a society increasingly characterized by sedentary lifestyles and digital distractions, activities like the Bamboo Dance offer a refreshing escape. Physical movement has been linked to the reduction of anxiety and the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being. The dance, with its focus on coordination and timing, can serve as a mindful exercise, allowing us as participants to be fully present in the moment.
As the final beats of the Bamboo Dance echoed in the city park, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude—for the dance, for the people, and for the unexpected journey that had unfolded in the midst of bamboo, rhythm, and shared joy. As the world grapples with the challenges of modern living, embracing cultural practices like the Bamboo Dance provides a pathway to healthier, more balanced lives. By weaving together tradition and physical activity, this dance transcends its cultural boundaries, offering a universal celebration of life, community, and holistic well-being.
Under the radiant daytime backdrop of Washington, D.C., the 2023 Washington DC China Cultural Festival unfurled in all its glory. The event, held on the tent-filled grounds in front of the Capitol Building, was a vibrant showcase of Chinese heritage and culture. As a proud representative of my Chinese school and a student ambassador at the festival, I was immersed in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. My sense of pride in our heritage swelled as I engaged in interviews, interacted with diverse attendees, and embraced the festival's vibrant activities.
Amid the festival's immersive experiences, one of the most heartening aspects was witnessing a diverse array of non-Chinese attendees enthusiastically participating in and embracing Chinese culture. This was no casual stop for passersby; it was a genuine display of cultural appreciation and respect. The universal appeal of Chinese heritage, artistry, and traditions was on full display, fostering a sense of unity among attendees of all backgrounds.
Through my interviews, I found that many non-Asian attendees learned about the event through personal connections—friends performing, family members organizing booths, or colleagues spreading the word.
Additionally, it was apparent that the universal love for good food was a unifying thread that brought people together throughout the day; bound by their appreciation for high-quality Chinese cuisine. A highlight of the festival for me was the mouth-watering array of authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions. I savored delectable dishes such as Yangrou Chuan (Chinese lamb skewers), Beijing Kaoya (Peking duck), Xiaolong Bao (Shanghai soup dumplings), and other dishes representing the culinary diversity of China, from Szechuan's fiery flavors to Beijing's imperial cuisine and the savory dishes of Xi-an.
Beyond the feast offered at every tent, the festival offered a feast for the senses, allowing attendees to actively engage with Chinese culture. This interactive approach extended to traditional dance performances, where spectators could learn and join in, blurring the line between observers and performers. From paper lanterns illuminating the day to meticulously crafted models of famous Chinese structures like the Gugong and Tiananmen Square, the festival was a visual spectacle. The rhythmic beats of drum performances resonated through the air, while people dressed in traditional Chinese silk robes strolled through the crowd. Lion dancing performances added to the festive atmosphere, and calligraphy practice sessions allowed attendees to appreciate the artistry of Chinese writing.
Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to engage in traditional games such as Chinese checkers and Go, and even learn the art of the teapot dance. Traditional Chinese folk and opera singing performances added to the cultural immersion, making the festival feel like a grand celebration akin to Chinese New Year, complete with smiling faces of children and adults alike.
The festival's ability to bridge cultural gaps was especially heartwarming. I had the privilege of interacting with an African family who were not only captivated by the event but also embraced Chinese culture. They indulged in our food, clothing, and people, enthusiastically taking pictures with performers everywhere. Their presence at the festival spoke volumes about the power of cultural exchange and how this event was a place for all to learn, appreciate, and celebrate diversity. This sense of community played a significant role in creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt welcome and part of a larger cultural tapestry.
However, what made the 2023 Washington DC China Cultural Festival truly exceptional was its ability to introduce attendees to a wide range of Chinese cultural aspects. I had the pleasure of interviewing traditional Chen Tai Ji dancers from Maryland, who personally knew and represented the teachings of the last great Tai Chi master alive. They were gracious and demonstrated their artistry, offering a glimpse into a lineage of wisdom passed down through generations.
Another surprising encounter was with a lion drummer group based in Chinatown DC, where more non-Chinese members than Chinese took part, all of them seemingly young and either in college or recent graduates. Their enthusiasm and dedication to lion dancing was truly inspiring, breaking stereotypes and showcasing the universality of cultural appreciation.
Lastly, I had the privilege of speaking with an ambassador from the National Go Center who graciously explained their mission of spreading the ancient game of Go. Their commitment to promoting this intricate and intellectually stimulating game added another layer of cultural exchange and learning to the festival.
In conclusion, the 2023 Washington DC China Cultural Festival was a remarkable celebration of Chinese heritage and an occasion to embrace the pride that comes with it. As a student ambassador, I was fortunate to witness the unity and cultural exchange that unfolded before my eyes. This festival transcended boundaries and showcased the universal appeal of Chinese culture, fostering a sense of pride not only in my heritage but also in the power of cultural unity. It was a testament to the idea that, no matter where we come from, we can all come together to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of diversity.
The Chinese Cultural Festival's maze-like streets were a complete sensory overload as I wandered through them. It looked like I had been transported into a different world where I was surrounded by a rainbow of hues and sounds at every turn. A rich and varied cultural tapestry spread out in front of me, serving as a tangible illustration of the breadth of human heritage.
Everywhere I turned, I saw a symphony of traditions blending together in a seamless synthesis that cut across national boundaries. It was a true celebration of the cultural mosaic that is humanity. Before me were many distinct cultures and flavors in the air, each vying for my attention. The allure of dumplings, sour noodles, and crispy spring rolls beckoned, and with each bite, I embarked on a journey through ages of polished flavors and cultural nuances. It was a culinary adventure that served as a reminder that tradition and innovations re woven together continuously to connect the past and present, not just through the fusion of flavors.
The lantern-lit lights that adorned the festival grounds were nothing short of stunning. Elaborate decorations adorned every nook and cranny, each telling its own story of ancient myths, legends, and modern traditions. It was as if history and contemporary life were intertwined, creating a visual spectacle that transported visitors through time and culture. People of all ages gathered to watch the well-prepared performances, their eyes and ears drinking in the visual and auditory delights surrounding them. All these performances really made it apparent that amidst the chaos of life, we really are connected by our shared appreciation of tradition, culture, and art.
The rhythmic beats of drums and the melodious notes of traditional instruments echoed and scattered throughout the festival grounds into every stall. The sounds felt like a mirage of sound and a reflection of the rich musical heritage that resonated with the soul. The music seemed to transcend language conveyed and brought along emotions and stories that transcended time.
During the event, I couldn’t stop realizing how culture can unite us all as I immersed myself in the event. I saw people from all walks of life unit to celebrate, learn, and enjoy the beauty of many diverse and brilliant traditions and cultures in this vibrant metropolis of diversity. It reminded me that beneath the surface, we are all connected by a common thread of humanity, and through understanding and respect, we can construct connection through many types of different cultures and traditions throughout the world.
