For foreign educators living and working in China, the opportunity to engage with local traditions often becomes one of the most memorable aspects of their time here. Beyond the classroom walls, there exists a rich cultural landscape waiting to be explored — one that deepens their understanding of the country and its people.

Earlier this season, two foreign teachers based at a university in Hubei — Andrei, who has been teaching in China since 2023, and Vladimir, who arrived in China earlier this year — took part in a hands-on cultural activity that offered exactly such an experience. The event, which coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival, introduced them to one of the holiday's most cherished traditions: sachet-making.

The workshop began with an introduction to the herbs traditionally used in festival sachets. Wormwood, mint, aged tangerine peel, and clove were laid out on the table, each with its own distinct fragrance and cultural significance. The teachers learned how wormwood is believed to ward off insects and bring blessings, how mint refreshes both mind and body, and how the warm scent of tangerine peel and clove adds comfort and tranquility. They smelled each herb, compared their favorites, and discussed which combinations appealed to them most.

With the help of a facilitator, they then began the hands-on process: selecting their herbs, filling their sachets, and carefully tying them closed. The room was filled with laughter and concentration as each sachet took shape — a small but meaningful keepsake made with their own hands.

Beyond the sachets, the experience also included two other beloved festival traditions: zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) and painted eggs. The teachers enjoyed tasting the dumplings, while the colorful eggs added a touch of festive creativity to the afternoon.

The activity offered more than just an introduction to Chinese customs — it was also a chance for the teachers to connect with each other, step away from their daily routines, and experience the warmth of local culture in a personal and memorable way. The two teachers expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, noting that hands-on experiences like this help them feel more connected to the country they now call home.