Over 70 local and expat residents donned traditional Chinese attire known as Hanfu to gather for a garden party in Shekou to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival on September 7.
The party, hosted by Shekou Management and Services Center for Expats (MSCE) in collaboration with Savills Residence Daxin Shenzhen Bay, was creatively designed to mimic a traditional marketplace, incorporating Mid-Autumn Festival elements throughout the venue. The event featured activities showcasing different aspects of intangible cultural heritages like making traditional palace lanterns, Mid-Autumn-themed paper-cutting, tastings of sugar paintings, and sampling mooncake.
Yuko Suzuki from Japan joined the gathering with her family. “This is so enjoyable,” said Suzuki as she took a break from cutting an intricate design for a traditional fan themed around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Despite the cultural similarities between Japan and China, Suzuki said that they don’t really have a celebration related to moon back in her home country.
“I tasted the mooncake last year, but this is my first time participating in such a lively event and getting hands-on with traditional Chinese paper-cutting,” said Suzuki, a resident of Shekou for two years.
For newcomers Jaeda Khalilifar from Canada and Emma Wakeham from Ireland, this was their first experience celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. “I can’t wait to taste the mooncake after completing my fan adorned with a paper-cut design of Chang’e and a rabbit,” Khalilifar said while dedicating herself to the handicraft.
Guided by local folk artist Guo Meng, expats immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage and distinct charm inherent in the traditional festival.
American Joanne Dietz excitedly displayed the crescent-shaped lantern that she had crafted over an hour. “It looks a bit delicate, but it’s really nice,” said the American teacher, who has lived in Shekou for four years. Dietz said she was proud to have made such a beautiful lantern, which she planned to share with her students in class Monday.
“I’m glad I came,” said Brazilian attendee Alexandre Ambrosio, who attended the event for the first time. “This is so much fun, although the rabbit-themed paper-cutting turned out too challenging for me,” said the corporate executive who has lived in Shenzhen for 12 years.
He said he had few chances to take part in the activities MSCE hosted for expat residents due to his busy work schedules and overseas business. However, he decided to shift gears two years ago, trying to embrace local life to engage more with his community. “I have to say that this is a good change. I rowed in the dragon boat race on the Houhai River, took part in the zongzi-making event, and this,” said Ambrosio, adding that he really appreciated the MSCE’s efforts to make life easier and more fun for expats like himself.
Expats from 23 countries attended the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.