Dragon Boat Festival Garden Party kicked off

In May, a refreshing breeze swept through Stockholm. On May 31st, the fragrance of zongzi leaves wafted across Kungsträdgården, accompanied by the melodious strains of traditional Chinese folk music, as a grand cultural feast—the “Nihao! China” Dragon Boat Festival Garden Party—kicked off. Jointly hosted by China Cultural Center in Stockholm, and organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province among others, the garden party used the traditional festival as a bridge. It seamlessly integrated China’s intangible cultural heritage techniques, folk customs, and modern creativity, attracting tens of thousands of local people and overseas Chinese to participate. Together, they immersed themselves in a captivating feast of Chinese culture.

In the cultural tourism experience zone, an exquisite exhibition of 40 Guizhou photographs brought the province’s natural landscapes and intangible cultural heritage to life, transporting visitors into the picturesque scenery of “Colorful Guizhou”. Activities such as “Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon” tea art appreciation, dragon boat coloring, Miao batik display, and folk costume try-ons allowed participants to experience the unique charm of Guizhou culture up close. Additionally, traditional cultural experiences like calligraphy and woodblock printing were highly popular among attendees.

The event also featured a dedicated exhibition area for “Study in China” and consular services. This zone provided consultation on “Travel and Study in China” programs and application services for studying abroad in China to international youth, while simultaneously offering assistance and support to overseas Chinese and students.

“Pandas Are Here – 2025 Colorful Panda Journey in Sweden” and “Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Experience” became the children’s favorites. They enthusiastically dived into coloring pandas, dragon boats, and vibrant zongzi coloring sheets, creating their own unique artworks. In a prominent spot within the art interaction zone, a unique “cultural co-creation” unfolded. Swedish artist Alexander Svensson, brush in hand, focused intently on bringing a 1.5-meter-tall plain white panda sculpture to life with vibrant hues. His brushstrokes masterfully blended the clean lines and vibrant tones of Nordic design with the free-flowing lyricism of Chinese ink-wash painting, attracting a large crowd of spectators who gathered around to watch.

On the stage, the “Conversation and Connection — Sino-Swedish Youth Art Festival” performances dazzled the audience. Artists from China and Sweden joined forces in a captivating show, with the Grand song of the Dong ethnic group, Miao ethnic group dances, Peking Opera fused with Bel Canto, and other performances taking the stage in succession, earning rousing applause. A standout moment came when artists from Liping county, Qiandongnan prefecture, Guizhou province presented a fresh surprise—their rendition of the Swedish classic Mamma Mia!. The event culminated in a vibrant climax as troupe performers invited audience members to join a spirited circle dance, moving together to the energetic pulse of drums and traditional melodies.

The leisure and food experience zone was equally bustling with activity, offering everything from specialty snacks across China to traditional festive delicacies. Treats like zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), jiaozi (dumplings), Chuanchuan Xiang skewers, and Malatang (spicy hot pot) allowed visitors to feast their taste buds. Visitors not only savored authentic Chinese flavors but also discovered the cultural stories behind the food. Whether seeking the comforting taste of home or eager to explore exciting new flavors, everyone found something to delight in. The area also featured interactive activities like tea art demonstrations, letting guests immerse themselves in interactive experiences while enjoying their treats, all while soaking up the joyful spirit of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival!

As the sun set over Kungsträdgården, the crowd lingered, reluctant to leave. A young Swedish boy clutched his hand-painted dragon boat drawing; nearby, young women who had just tried on Miao costumes excitedly shared photos on their phones; by the stage, Chinese and Swedish artists continued exchanging musical insights. While the fragrance of zongzi may fade, the cultural resonance sparked here will endure like Sweden’s summer sun—warming the hearts of people across both nations long after the festival ends. We look forward to seeing you at our next cultural gathering!